Tell us a little about yourselves!
We met in high school! Although not high school sweethearts, we actually went our separate ways for about a decade before reconnecting in adulthood. We maintained many of the same friends from our younger years, and would see each other every now and then. We always felt that eventually, our time would come- and the rest is history!
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
A few years back, we had a trip planned to Tuscany that we unfortunately had to cancel. After we got engaged, we considered a few options stateside, but we ultimately knew we wanted something else. We really wanted our wedding to just feel like a big trip with all our closest friends and family where everyone could spend multiple days together, and really connect. We knew it would be truly a once in a lifetime experience if we could pull Italy off. It was also important for us to have good food and even better wine- so really, where else?!
How many guests did you have?
We had fifty guests. Samantha Rivieccio captured our day.
Tell us about your outfits.
I had virtually no doubt that I wanted to be a Danielle Frankel Bride. I had my eyes on the Noa gown even before we were engaged. I’m the most indecisive when it comes to just about everything, but I’d never been more sure of a dress in my life. It was important that my dress could stand on its own and I kept the accessories minimal. I paired it with a Toni Federici veil because I wanted to incorporate lace. To give credit where it is due: the divine team at Belle Atelier in Chicago helped the whole look come together. In all honesty, I didn’t even really want to find a second look, but for the sake of dancing… I landed on something simple but fun, a Simkhai sequin maxi that was beyond comfortable.
Scott has always loved Ted Baker, but didn’t want to wear a full traditional tuxedo. He actually paired a Ted Baker suit with a tuxedo shirt and a bow tie. He wore cufflinks from his father and a silk pocket square from a small shop in Florence.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
It was important to us that our bridal party and family could all stay together in one place. It was a bit of a challenge to find accommodation for a larger group, without spending an arm and a leg. Riccardo and his family have owned Villa Zampugna for generations, and it was so special to get to know the history behind our venue.
The entire goal of choosing a destination for our wedding was so that our families and our friends, from different parts of our lives- could all spend quality time with one another and make some of their own memories. If our guests didn’t already know each other before our wedding, they certainly do now- and that was the best gift for us as the couple.
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
We love some good live music! It was important, even with a smaller wedding, to incorporate a local band to play for our cocktail hour and during dinner. As an avid music lover and concert goer myself, it was equally important that our DJ kept the beats going in the late night hours. We selected a DJ with club experience in Florence and he did not disappoint!
Any tips for couples getting married?
Be present. It all goes by like a strike of lightning, and you’ll be holding on to those memories forever. Savor them, big and small, good and bad. Everything is worth it.
Photographer: Samantha Rivieccio @samantharivieccio | Planning: Elizabeth Tuson @liz_dreamingoutloud | Flora: Criluflower @criluflower | Ceremony & Reception Location: Villa Zampugna | Celebrant: Friend of the couple | Hire: Namida Elegant Events @namida_elegantevents |
HMUA: Lara Navarrini @laranavarrinimakeup | Catering, Cake & Beverages: Ristorante Tonino Cortona
@ristorante_tonino_cortona | Invitations: TenStory @tenstorystationary | Stationery (Day Of): Tuscan Lab @tuscanlab | Entertainment: The Beat Halls, DJ Sirty @thebeathalls @sirtydj | Ceremony/Reception Dess: Danielle Frankel @daniellefrankel from Belle Atelier @bellebridalatelier | Afterparty Dress: Simkhai @simkhai | Suit: Ted Baker @tedbaker | Veil: Toni Federici @tonifedericiveils | Bridal Robe: Goli June @goli_june via @bellebridalatelier | Shoes: Kate Spade, Cult Gaia | Earrings: Galley Los Angeles
@galleylosandeles | Wedding Party Attire: Mixed brands