We’ve touched on first and second part of this beautiful wedding weekend in Tuscany already today, but it’s time for the Grande Finale. And oh, is it grand. Tuscan Villa, glittery bridesmaids, big and beautiful flowers, fireworks-grand. And we love every second. Italia Celebrations planned the whole weekend, which was captured brilliantly by both Magnus Bogucki and Cinemate, and it is the very definition of superb.
[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/74511344 600 338]
From Italia Celebrations Wedding Planning… After two spectacularly fun and eventful days leading up to the wedding, this was the proverbial icing on the cake. The beauty of a destination wedding is that the wedding is usually not just one day but a series of days that make up the whole experience. Whereas the days prior were in turns rustic, historic, colorful and entertaining, the wedding day was stunning in its refinement and elegance.
From the bride Meghan… After two previous days of spectacular scenery, décor, events, and magical moments, Steven and I expected to wake up on our wedding morning and feel like we were prepping for another fantastic party. However, as the Il Borro villa began to come to life around 6 am, it quickly became clear that this day felt much more special.
As I got ready in the bridal suite, overlooking so much beautiful Tuscan countryside, our wonderful videographers and photographer snapped away. We had multiple hair and make-up people, nail technicians, and wedding planners coming and going. It was a full room. We could hear the string quartet practicing below us, shrubs being moved into place and chairs being positioned.
What can I say other than every cliché about walking down the aisle is completely true? I spent hours choosing décor and music and fretting about flowers. However, when I turned the corner to walk into the ceremony all I saw was Steven standing there. I never saw a single flower or chair or the aisle runner I was walking on. All I cared about was finally being in that moment with him. That moment was what the wedding was all about.
Sometimes people ask if I felt like a princess all day. I say, no, I felt like I was in a cloud. With the 18 ethereal layers of tulle and lace that made up my dress, the gentle Tuscan breeze, and all the white flowers, I just felt like I was floating in a happy, loving cloud all day.
After the ceremony we went off to take photos in all the exquisite hidden places around Il Borro. The guests went to the villa garden for the cocktail hour. When we arrived back after the photo session, we were announced into the garden and led down the stairs; it was a moment I will never forget. All of our guests in the manicured Italian garden, in their tuxedos and beautiful dresses with the medieval village as a backdrop created a stunning seen – it was as if it had been pulled from my imagination and come to life.
Dinner was held on the villa terrace with long tables filled with lush white flowers and candles decorating every inch. After dinner we cut our cake, had our first dance, watched fireworks, and I danced with my dad. This whole sequence was full of moments that were magical for us. When guests returned to their seats they were served mini wedding cakes that coordinated with our large wedding cake.
Finally, when the DJ started playing “Tonight is Going to be a Good Night” by the Black Eyed Peas I was so excited to dance that I got up and ran to the dance floor. when I turned and looked back the tables were empty. Every guest had gotten up, ran with me, and had started dancing immediately. That’s just how amazing our friends and family were and it took my breath away to see their excitement. Needless to say, we danced the night away and the party didn’t slow down until around 3 a.m.
To say it was the best three days of our lives is an understatement. Truthfully, I didn’t know such happiness and amazing, joyful things existed before planning and having our wedding. We will never forget this time in our lives and will always cherish every moment as well as all the people who were there with us.
The process was so amazing that I became a wedding planner myself along the way. Now I get to plan weddings for other couples in the U.K. (with my company Extraordinary Days). Thank goodness, because if I didn’t have more weddings to look forward to I don’t know what I would do!
All of the people that we worked with on our wedding were amazing. Our wedding planner, Brenda Babcock of Italia Celebrations made every dream Steven and I had come true. Noosheen Flowers gave us flowers more beautiful than I ever imagined. Cinemate created a wedding video we will treasure forever. Magnus Bogucki, our photographer created photos we will never get tired of looking at (and showing people!). Paper Moss and Ceci New York gave me an obsession with fabulous stationery and a joy of design rounds. Asprey designed our rings which we will love all of our life. Then, of course, last but certainly not at all least, Vera Wang Chicago gave me a lifetime experience at a bridal boutique I wish every bride could have as well as my dream dress. Every one of these businesses is made up of kind and passionate people you would want to entrust your wedding to. Thank you all.
Photography: Magnus Bogucki | Videography: CineMate Films | Event Design: Brenda Babcock Celebrations | Event Planning: Brenda Babcock Celebrations | Floral Design: Noosheen | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: TUSCAN WEDDING CAKES | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Rings: Asprey | Bride's Clutch: Judith Leiber | Bridesmaids\' Dresses: Alice And Olivia | Groom\'s Attire: Prada | Tuscan Villa: Il Borro