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This couple didn’t see their wedding venue until they walked down the aisle

March 28, 2022

Wedding planning always comes with a few surprises, especially when you’ve got a faraway destination in mind. The pandemic hit while Christina + Chase were planning their destination wedding in Florence, Italy, which tossed even more uncertainty in the mix. Finally, they learned they could make it happen—but wouldn’t be able to make any visits, not until the big day itself. The couple put their trust in The Wedding Boutique Italy, hoping Villa Medicea di Lilliano would be just as beautiful in person as in photos. Find their story along with photos by Lace & Luce below!

Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding
Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding

The welcome party took place in central Florence on a rooftop with a fantastic view, a great contrast to the wedding day which took place in the green rolling hills covered in silvery olive trees and vineyards snaking down the hillside.

Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding

The team tells us, In terms of design for the wedding day, we wanted to create something timeless and typically ‘Tuscan’ but with a unique and slightly modern edge so that the design really stood out. The design process began with classic greens and whites, but Christina trusted our vision to bring in some darker tones as well as different floral shades to add depth to the design and really bring it to life.  

Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding

While everyone was pretty confident that the villa would be just as gorgeous as they dreamed, it was still so special to see it IRL! Seeing their beaming faces entering the venue gave everyone a mega sigh of relief!

Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding

The bride’s timeless Lazaro gown paired with these black bridesmaids dresses is just stunning, right?

Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding

A few tips from the planners… The venue is also a vineyard, and being the middle of September it is the ‘vendemmia’ or grape harvest season, so we draped grapes within the table decor to add a layer of interest and styling that also was in keeping with the darker tones and black accents seen throughout. Understandably the idea of having ‘black’ accents for a wedding seems a bit odd at first, but done tastefully it can really elevate a design and with the dress code as black tie, it really worked. The addition of the black ‘Thonet’ chairs brought everything together for both the ceremony and dinner- and we cannot underline enough what a difference the right chair choice can make to your overall wedding design. They are physically a ‘large’ item so naturally they have a big impact too.

Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding Timeless yet modern black and white Florence wedding

Their story: Christina and I met in high school (like my brother and his wife, and my parents), and though we never officially dated we did go to Senior Prom together. After attending different colleges, Christina moved back to Austin, and I was living in Colorado. We found our way back to each other when I was in town for my Brother’s wedding, and I decided to invite her the night before the wedding. She amazingly said yes, and after the wedding we started building toward a relationship. We bonded over our love for travel, food, and adventure, and when we were finally ready to take the next step into marriage we both knew we wanted our wedding to be an intimate setting with those closest to us, as well as rooted in the things we love. Our wedding was truly magical and honestly could not have been more perfect.

Photography: Lace & Luce | Design & Planning: The Wedding Boutique Italy | Florals: The Wedding Boutique Bloom | Hair & Makeup: Alessandro Mancino Studio | Videographer: Lumos Produzioni | Wedding Dress: Lazaro | Reception Dress: Milly | Shoes: Alexandre Birman | Men’s Attire: Jack Victor | Catering: Galateo Ricevimenti Firenze | Venue: Villa Medicea di Lilliano | Stationery: Inviting

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