It was Hinge that first brought Kimberly + Shahrukh together, and thanks to the app working its magic, their love story led to this luxe and intimate destination wedding in the heart of Tuscany.
Together with planners and event designers from Wiskow & White, Kimberly + Shahrukh dreamed up an international 70-person celebration at Villa di Ulignano with a ceremony in the breathtaking open air ruins of San Galgano Abbey. The colors were warm. The venue was unforgettable. And the elegant black tie event had an elevated yet joyful air.
Celebrating the multi-faith and multicultural elements of their relationship was a super important part of planning for Kimberly + Shahrukh. The wedding weekend started off with a Pithi ceremony before the rehearsal dinner to celebrate Shahrukh’s Pakistani roots. And to honor Kimberly’s African-American heritage the bride + groom jumped the broom at the end of the ceremony.
We can’t wait to show you the beautiful photos that Colin Ross Photography took of Kimberly + Shahrukh’s sophisticated Italian day!
Andiamo!
Kimberly + Shahrukh’s “Pithi and Prosecco” welcome event was their way of including traditional Pakistani wedding traditions in their epic wedding weekend. Guests wore South Asian clothing for the pre-wedding Pithi ceremony and then headed into the rehearsal dinner!
A Stunning Ceremony
This venue 😍 Prepare to fall in love.
Our Musical Choices Processional: "Yellow" by Coldplay
Recessional: Game of Thrones theme
First Dance: "Iris" by The Goo Goo Dolls
Definitely check out our list of the 91 songs to walk down the aisle to if you’re still searching for a song epic enough for this magical moment.
Kimberly + Shahrukh created a ceremony that resonated with both of their religious identities. The church’s traditional cross-shaped layout was a meaningful nod to bride’s faith.
San Galgano Abbey is more than just a breathtaking wedding venue. The historic location also functions as the town hall for the town of Chiusdino. So Chiusdino’s mayor officiated Kimberly + Shahrukh’s wedding!
We LOVE the inventive way that Kimberly + Shahrukh seated their guests around the runway-style aisle! Check out our tips on how to get creative with ceremony seating if you like the idea of reworking the traditional wedding ceremony setup.
L’Oasi Floral Designer was created the day’s unique and opulent florals in rich reds, browns, creams, and pinks.
Tuscan Sunset Portraits
Before they headed to Italy, Kimberly + Shahrukh had a civil ceremony to make things official in the US, and they didn’t miss the chance to do something special with that moment, too. “I had my mom’s wedding gown remade and surprised her at City Hall,” says Kimberly. “After we took photos we went to a French cafe in Atlanta for drinks and dessert. It was at that moment I realized, we could’ve just had that and our wedding would’ve still been magic.”
Kimberly’s elegant half up half down wedding day hair was done by stylist Karina, and her glowy glam makeup look was the work of makeup artist Jamillah.
A Romantic Reception
This intimate courtyard reception is a twinkly dream ✨
All-white table linens paired with rich floral centerpieces created a luxe + elevated atmosphere.
Our Advice To Those Planning Now From the bride: When people say you won't notice the details that aren't right, if you're Type A, that's not true. The one thing that IS true, is that it won't matter. It'll be the best day of your life and you and your partner will laugh about the things that go wrong later. I wanted a candle lit dinner but every time they went to light the candles, the wind literally blew them out. The dinner was STILL everyone's favorite part.
Kimberly says: “Your wedding’s about celebrating your love with the people who love you most. You can do it anywhere in the world and it’ll be perfect (but Italy was pretty awesome haha)!”
Do not miss the stunning, cinematic wedding video that Wild Oak Films created!
Congrats, Kimberly + Shahrukh, on your luxe and intimate Tuscan destination wedding! Wishing you both so much happiness!
photography: Colin Ian Ross // venue name: Villa di Ulignano, Volterra, Tuscany, Italy // event design: Wiskow & White // planning: Wiskow & White // florals: L’oasi // wedding dress: Pronovias and Watters // wedding dress boutique: Bridals by Aimee // wedding dress boutique: Suite Bridal // hairpiece: Rosa Clara // bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo // bridesmaid dresses: Show Me Your Mumu // hair stylist: Karina // makeup artist: Jamillah // groom attire: The Black Tux // videography: Wild Oak Films // officiant: The Mayor of the Town // live painter: Caridad the Painter: