Stephanie + Andrew were planning a huge wedding in the summer but, as we all know, plans change. Still, love always finds a way! The couple joined forces with a team of creatives to pull off an Italian wedding with tropical flowers in every corner! Here’s more behind the inspiration from designer + planner Danila Stella:
I always find inspiration from what the bride is drawn to most during the site inspection. Stefanie was overcome by the greenhouse and white curtains at Mulino dell’Olio, an old olive oil mill turned venue. She felt like we were in a “colonial greenhouse”—here we go! Inspiration found! We designed every single corner in a vintage colonial style. From the plants and flower choices to the stationery with calligraphy with vintage stamps.
Let’s see how it all came together with photos by Rossella Putino!
The details were meant to feel as if a time machine might sweep you away! This invitation by Studio Alispi calls on a Victorian time with its handmade paper and wax stamp and the equestrian detail.
Major Love for Tropical Wedding Flowers
The modern tropical wedding floral by Il Profumo dei Fiori brought a colorful escapism to the day, from the bridal bouquet all the way through to the magnificent installations.
SO cool, right?! Love the addition of the baskets! We love a good tropical backdrop (here’s another fave)!
Boho Bridal Style With a Vintage Twist
Stephanie wore a ruffled tulle dress with a bohemian feel by Yoliah Spose but those sparkly t-strap heels by Anniel threw it back!
A Symbolic Ceremony
The ceremony was written and designed by officiant Ludovina of Cerimonie Laiche with symbolic elements of water (life + purification) and flowers (magic + beauty). Stephanie + Andrew mixed the two together in a Tibetan bell pot to represent a pure beginning, a new family, and a life full of grace and harmony.
I think the most intense moment was the ceremony. Ludovina wrote for us poetry and created a ceremony with our story: how we met, why we choose the venue, our passions, and how we will be a new family. The sound of the river and the violinist made it memorable. We cried we laughed, we kissed, we hugged. We forget about everyone around us. I felt was only me and my partner and our promises.
Newlyweds on the Grounds
After the ceremony, Stephanie changed into a pretty dress with macramé sleeves and accompanied Andrew along the venue’s grounds for a surprise!
Knowing her passion for horses and nature, Andrew surprised Stephanie with her horse, Fieno! They snapped a few photos then took a stroll with the alpacas at the farm next door.
Cutie!!
Aren’t they total stunners?! Stephanie effortlessly slipped into a few different boho bridal styles with the help of hair + makeup by Francesca Scalera.
Reception Details with Bright Tropical Flowers
Now, for the grand finale! When they initially went to visit the venue, Stephanie fell in love with the mill’s Orangerie and how the details of the room made it feel as if you’d transported through time. The space was quite large, so the team went to work—transforming it into a cozy reception site for 18 guests.
The addition of two vintage chandeliers was the perfect juxtaposition to the modern tropical table. Linens from Set Up my Table were covered with elements by Born to Rent, while furniture rentals from Smacrent tied it all together.
I would say Covid change our event point of view. We were planning a massive event with more than 200 guests, some of them we never see. We were thinking of our wedding as an occasion to meet all our relatives. Instead, with Covid, we were forced to invite only the people we really wanted. We were more concentrated on ourselves and our love—the reception looked more like a family dinner. We were surrounded by loved ones who really cared about us.
Outdoor elements cozied up the space with pockets of plants and baskets of tropical fruit. The vintage elements + decor on the sweet table brought a nostalgic feeling to the celebration.
The show-stopping tropical backdrop served as both a photo booth for guests and the wedding cake, too!
Stephanie requested a simple cake in aesthetic and taste, so Qualcosa di Dolce created a Victorian sponge with passion fruit and cream.
All the sweet details were captured beautifully by Studio Putino in a truly transporting montage of the day:
Congrats to Stephanie + Andrew and to the team who brought the beautiful vision to life!
photography: Rossella Putino // venue name: Mulino dell’olio, Varese, Lombardy, Italy // event design: Danila Stella // planning: Danila Stella // florals: Il Profumo dei Fiori // wedding dress: Yoliah Spose // hairpiece: Francesca Scalera // bride’s shoes: Anniel // bride’s ring: Machia Creazioni // hair stylist: Francesca Scalera // makeup artist: Francesca Scalera // groom’s shoes: Anniel // groom’s ring: Machia Creazioni // videography: Studio Putino // paper goods: Studio Alispi // catering: Ta Milano // cake: Qualcosa di Dolce // tabletop rentals: Born to Rent // furniture rentals: Smacrent // linen rentals: Set Up my Table // music: Dj Funky // officiant: Cerimonie Laiche // lighting: Croval Service // terrarium: Melina PepperLup // ribbons: Allegoria Textile // violinist: Alessandro Apinti // scents: Locherber Milan