Emanuele and Elena met the summer of 2006 and had their first kiss in front of a movie screen on March 16, 2007. Eleven years later, deeply shaken by private loss, E + E decided to organize and surprise wedding on their date. “We got married on March 16th, 2018 in front of 16 pieces of our hearts with a simple civil ceremony. Nobody knew what we were going to do, neither our relatives or friends. The party was just a pizza with champagne at our home — nothing better.”
They promised to organize a real Italian-style wedding one year later. So, they planned a gorgeous intimate spring wedding with 50 guests! “We found the most beautiful XVII century village on the hills just minutes drive from our home. It was just perfect for us with an old tiny church with “volta celeste” painted in the chapel. E + E chose their vendors in just two months, but selecting the florist was the easiest — Elena is a floral designer!
“I wanted to respect the landscapes and nature during my wedding day. I’m obsessed with the Italian Renaissance and the first image of my inspirational project was Botticelli’s painting, La Primavera. For the floral arrangements, I choose to avoid floral foam by using simple vases and Ikebana-style decorations. The day before the wedding my unbelievable and I team decorated the ceiling with spontaneous prunus branches collected in the woods steps distance from the location to recreate the atmosphere of the painting.”
With the design + planning expertise of Viviana Fiocchi for Il Profumo dei Fiori (where Elena also designs), the day came together in a beautiful celebration of E + E’s love. Il Baccello di Vaniglia captured all the dreamy photos below — let’s have a look!
The loveliest invitation suite by Dodo Design set the tone for the day.
Romantic Bridal Style
Elena wore sequined t-strap heels by Anniel Bridal.
Her Needle and Thread London dress was inspired by the goddess’ dresses in Botticelli’s painting. She totally nailed the goddess vibe — so beautiful!
Floral dreams come to life — this bouquet by Elena is a magical garden in itself!
Intimate Spring Wedding Ceremony
After the ceremony, the sustainable tossing station was created with dried flowers and petals from Elena’s garden.
SO sweet!
Elena rocked that dreamy look with sweet hair and makeup by Le Feltrin.
A Romantic Reception
The day was like springtime with warm sun and blue sky. The aperitif was supposed to be in the old horses barn but the caterer chose to move everything on the garden terrace, such a good choice. We enjoyed the first part of the aperitif with our guests but then we took moments for us two only. We were so happy and proud of what we created and we danced like crazy, only the two of us.
Vases with calligraphy by Roberta Fucci mingled with the florals for a simple yet stunning focus piece at the reception.
Family-style dreams!!
Pure romance.
Elana’s simple vases and Ikebana-style table decor mixed the Japanese art of flower arrangement with inspiration from the Italian Renaissance.
The last surprise of the day was the party in the ancient Vinsantaia (the attic where Vin Santo is made) with hundreds of balloons!
But not before cutting into pies baked by Elana’s mother and filled with jam homemade from the fruits of her garden. Pure magic! Congrats to the lovely couple from all of us at GWS!
photography: Il Baccello di Vaniglia // venue name: Torre Fornello, Ziano Piacentino, Emiglia Romagna, Italy // event design: Viviana Fiocchi for Il Profumo dei Fiori // planning: Viviana Fiocchi for Il Profumo dei Fiori // florals: Il Profumo dei Fiori // wedding dress: Needle and Thread London // bride’s shoes: Anniel Bridal // bride’s ring: My Golden Age // hair stylist: Le Feltrin // makeup artist: Le Feltrin // groom attire: Ermenegildo Zegna // groom’s shoes: Ermenegildo Zegna // groom’s ring: My Golden Age // paper goods: Dodo Design // calligraphy: Roberta Fucci // catering: Scotti Ricevimenti