HISTORY LOVERS: A TUSCAN WEDDING
This couple’s love for history and Italy inspired their decision to choose Tuscany as their wedding destination. The timeless elegance of the region’s architecture and classical marble sculptures played a key role in the bride’s gown selection—a sculptural Galia Lahav design that perfectly reflected the venue’s aesthetic and the bride’s personality.
LOVE STORY
We met at a Polo-themed restaurant called The Country Club in Costa Mesa, CA. Emmett accidentally bumped into my maid of honour, Clarissa, and after apologizing, he noticed me. That’s when he struck up a conversation, and the rest is history!
Emmett proposed at Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, Italy, on a warm summer day in August. That morning, he casually mentioned we’d be visiting a church, so I should wear a dress and bring a shawl to cover my shoulders. I didn’t think twice about it—it made perfect sense.
As we made our way up the hill to the iconic lookout point, he suggested we take a selfie. I remember thinking it was odd because Emmett never initiates taking photos—it’s usually me asking him! But I went along with it.
After snapping the photo, he reached into his pocket, got down on one knee, and before I could fully process what was happening, I caught a glimpse of a photographer emerging from the bushes to capture the moment. Emmett began saying a few heartfelt words, but I completely blacked out in the excitement.
All I remember was him asking me to marry him—and, of course, I said yes!
HOW DID YOU KNOW THE GALIA LAHAV WAS THE ONE?
I always envisioned myself in a fully covered lace gown, but during my fitting at Galia Lahav, an embellished high-neck bolero hanging on its own caught my eye. Curious, I asked the consultant if I could try it on. She initially paired it with a lace gown, but it didn’t feel right. I then suggested trying it with a clean gown to see if the bolero could truly shine or if it needed to be ruled out entirely.
To my surprise, the first clean gown she pulled was the ‘Paloma’ dress. The moment we layered the ‘Tokyo’ bolero over it, I was overcome with emotion and started to cry. The combination of two contrasting materials—sleek and minimal paired with intricate embellishments—felt both timeless and uniquely regal. I knew instantly that this pairing would perfectly complement our venue’s grandeur and bring my bridal vision to life.
ABOUT GALIA LAHAV’S ‘PALOMA’ GOWN
Step into the spotlight wearing ‘Paloma’ from Galia Lahav’s Amor Couture collection, inspired by the dramatic Sevillian opera Carmen, constructed in silk crepe and corseted mermaid style the gown flares out at the knee and gathers beautifully. It features a defined sweetheart neckline for the thrill of romance and femininity.
Two different styles in one look: the bride paired the ‘Paloma’ gown with the ‘Tokio’ bolero.
WORKING WITH THE GALIA LAHAV TEAM
They were absolutely incredible and went above and beyond to accommodate me. The original cups in my dress were too small, and they were able to fix them free of charge. When I tried the dress on again, the fit was perfect!
I also ordered matching gloves using the ‘Paloma’ dress material for a second look during the cake cutting, and they expedited the order for me. Needless to say, they fit like a “glove.”
HOW MANY DRESSES DID YOU TRY BEFORE YOU FOUND ‘PALOMA’
I tried on about five dresses, and this one was the last. The moment I slipped it on, I knew it was the one—it outshined all the others. It was so unique yet timeless, and it truly reflected my personality perfectly.
THE FEELING OF WEARING YOUR GALIA LAHAV & EVERYONE’S REACTION
Wearing this dress made me feel like royalty—it was crafted to perfection and fit like an absolute glove. As my mother, bridesmaids, makeup artist, and wedding planner helped me into it, their reactions were unforgettable. They were in awe of the elegance and timeless beauty it exuded, repeatedly saying how much I resembled a real-life princess.
From the flowing cathedral veil to the sparkling high-neck embellishments of the ‘Tokyo’ bolero and the structured basque waist of the ‘Paloma’ gown, every detail blended together seamlessly.
My bridesmaids kept saying they had never seen a dress like this before, and yet, if anyone could pull it off, it had to be me. It was a look that felt both regal and uniquely my own—a moment I’ll cherish forever.
FAVOURITE PART OF PLANNING YOUR WEDDING
Selecting our photographer and videographer was one of the most exciting and meaningful parts of the wedding planning process. With so much incredible talent out there, taking the time to thoroughly research, interview, and connect with potential vendors made all the difference.
I knew I wanted our photography and videography team to feel fully integrated into our Villa Cetinale Wedding weekend—not just as vendors, but as part of our celebration. Their portfolio, personality, and ability to adapt to different moments were key factors in our decision.
Our team exceeded every expectation—they were present in every meaningful moment, confidently directed guests when needed, and made everyone feel genuinely valued and comfortable.
The result? They captured not only the beauty of our day but also the raw emotion, fleeting glances, and heartfelt interactions we’ll cherish forever. At the end of it all, the photos and videos are the lasting memories you’ll return to time and time again, which is why prioritizing this part of the planning process was so important to us.
We’re so grateful to have had such an incredible team by our side and even more grateful to now call them friends.
Equally, planning the entire Villa Cetinale wedding with my cherished wedding planner, Irene, was an experience I’ll treasure forever. Irene went above and beyond in every aspect, offering realistic recommendations while always maintaining a “can-do” attitude.
No request was ever met with hesitation—if something seemed challenging, she always found a way to make it happen. Her dedication, creativity, and unwavering support brought our vision to life in ways we never could have imagined.
DETAILS THAT MADE YOUR WEDDING ‘SO SPECIAL’?
We have such a deep appreciation for history, so choosing a historical venue where most of our wedding guests could stay—and where we could also host the ceremony and reception—made the experience truly special. The timeless charm of the setting added a unique layer of meaning to our celebration.
To make the weekend even more personal, we included thoughtful details like welcome bags for our guests, handwritten thank-you cards delivered on the wedding day, and a heartfelt tribute to my late father with a meaningful quote draped over a chair during the ceremony. These small touches created an atmosphere of warmth, love, and connection, making the entire weekend feel uniquely ours.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT
Hearing the string quartet begin to play the song Emmett chose for his walk down the aisle was such an emotional moment. As my bridesmaid Lilian helped me fasten my bolero, the realization hit me—it’s all happening. The day we’ve been dreaming of is finally here. I couldn’t hold back the (happy) tears.
Walking through the hidden tunnel beneath the villa, hand in hand with my wedding planner, anticipation built with every step. As the gates dramatically flew open to the powerful melody of “Time” by Hans Zimmer, I stepped into view, locking eyes with Emmett. In that breathtaking moment, the world felt still.
Those 30 minutes—the music, the atmosphere, the love surrounding us—will forever replay in my mind as one of the most unforgettable and magical moments of my life.
BRIDE’S ADVICE
One thing I wish I had known as a bride is not to let unexpected hiccups—like plans falling through or a guest being unable to attend—dampen your joy. Some things are simply out of your control, and it’s important to remind yourself that everything happens for a reason. Embrace the imperfections; they often become the stories you cherish most.
For future brides, my biggest advice is to plan a multi-day celebration if possible. Hosting most of our guests at Villa Cetinale before and after the wedding was one of the best decisions we made. It gave us quality time with family and friends beforehand, so when our wedding day arrived, my husband and I could fully focus on each other without feeling pulled in a million directions.
Additionally, if you can, have your wedding on the same property where you’re staying. There’s nothing more convenient than getting ready steps away from your ceremony and reception. It eliminates the stress of transportation logistics, tight timelines, and last-minute rushing. Plus, you have the flexibility to slip away for a quiet moment in your room if you need it. It creates a relaxed atmosphere and allows you to be fully present for every special moment.
WOULD YOU HAVE DONE SOMETHING DIFFERENT?
If I could do one thing differently, it would be carving out a quiet moment for myself before putting on my gown—a chance to reflect on the year of planning, the emotions of the day, and the excitement of what’s ahead. It’s so easy for time to slip away in those final moments, with hair and makeup wrapping up and the walk down the aisle quickly approaching.
Starting hair and makeup a little earlier and intentionally building in a buffer of quiet time would have given me the space to pause, breathe, and truly soak in the significance of the day before stepping into my dress. It’s a small adjustment, but one that would have made such a difference in creating an even more grounding and memorable experience.
BRIDE’S NOTES
We were married in Tuscany, the same stunning region in Italy where we got engaged the year before. Our first trip to Italy together made it a special and meaningful place in our hearts, and we knew right away that we had to return to get married.
When I first discovered Villa Cetinale, I was drawn to its extraordinary gardens and impressive Renaissance architecture. The venue’s beauty immediately aligned with our vision of a romantic, timeless, fall wedding, making it the perfect choice.
As we delved deeper into the history of Villa Cetinale, which dates back to the 17th century, it became clear that this venue was more than just a picturesque backdrop. The rich heritage of the villa added layers of meaning to our celebration, making it feel even more significant.
Little did we know, the villa would become even more iconic in our eyes. Later, we learned that “Succession” had filmed there, and Millie Bobby Brown was planning to marry there later that same year. The villa, which I initially fell in love with for its aesthetic, had a rich and timeless legacy that deepened our connection to it, making our Villa Cetinale wedding there an unforgettable experience.
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VENDORS
Wedding planner: @fairytaleitalyweddings
Photographer: @alissabeer_
Videographer: @dk_wedding_film
Dress: @galialahav
Florist: @fioriditestaweddingsandevents
Venue: @cetinale
Catering: @rolands_florence
Lights and Music: @weddingmusicandlights
Tent: @pellicci_meschi
Stationery: @amessydesk.weddingstationery
Content: @fioridaranciocontent.co
Hair/Makeup: @yanamakeupitaly
