Summer Wedding Filled With Tradition at Their Family Villa in Castel Rigone, Italy

Kyle and Carley's wedding was held in Castel Rigone, a small medieval village in Umbria, Italy. The couple envisioned a summer wedding filled with Italian wedding traditions, and they certainly created a magnificent event for their family and friends who flew in from the US to share in the celebration.

As from Kyle's point of view: I knew exactly where I wanted to propose to Carley. We had spent countless hours walking our chocolate lab around the waterfront of East Boston talking about anything from Carley's baking to the proper way to load the dishwasher while taking in the views of the city. I threw her off by telling her we were doing a 'birthday dinner' followed by meeting some friends for a drink at a bar around the corner - she had no clue I was going to propose and I actually had to remind her that I needed an answer. Following the proposal, both sets of parents were waiting at our condo with champagne and to wish us congratulations. We rounded out the weekend with a 'birthday party' at a local rooftop bar, another surprise for her with it being our engagement party. Carley: I swear I cried happy tears for three days straight. He asked me in the perfect spot by the ocean on a walk we’ve done a million times with our dog. Then the continued surprise of a weekend long celebration with our closest family and friends made me feel so loved and supported.

Carley found her perfect satin strapless gown fit for her Italian wedding at Paul Francis Bridal in Massachusetts, paired with a beautiful Harlo heel from The White Collection. We visited a boutique wedding dress shop in Haverhill and worked closely with the designer Hector who quickly helped me find my dream dress. I had each mom (mine and MIL) and bridesmaid pick out a dress that they could see me in. The dress I chose was the very first one I tried on. I immediately gasped and was overwhelmed with emotion. I knew in my gut right away that it was my wedding dress. Simple, classic, elegant, and a little sexy all at the same time. I never once doubted my decision and felt so beautiful and comfortable on my wedding day.

The bridesmaids dressed in differing styles of soft blush colored dresses. The groomsmen all dressed in classic black tuxedos. The colors of all of the wedding party’s attire complemented the venue perfectly.

Kyle chose a custom navy blue tuxedo jacket with a soft paisley pattern paired with navy tuxedo pants from Christopher Cuozzo.

The festivities kicked off with a traditional 2 1/2 hour Italian meal at a beautiful villa in the Umbrian countryside for the rehearsal dinner. After the wedding ceremony, the couple made their way to the Main Square, where they were warmly welcomed by their guests. The doors of the Palace were opened for an aperitif in the inner courtyard, where guests enjoyed customary Italian delicacies and lounge areas created with large round velvet sofas and forest green poufs. The guests also tossed a coin into the ancient well to express their well wishes for the new couple. Italian delicacies were served for the wedding reception dinner, including fresh handmade pastas with local sauces and a Chianina tagliata cooked in plain view over the coals, paired with local wine.

The entrance of the Church was adorned with a majestic arch of greenery and fresh flowers, while the inside was decorated with white carpet and more florals extending to the flower adorned altar. Dinner was served in the backyard garden, which had an “old Italy” allure, with tables adorned with green Toile de Jouy print tablecloths and floral arrangements. The bride and groom's sweetheart table was a focal point, with a cascading arrangement of beautiful flowers and multiple single roses. Guest tables filled the garden, meandering around the pool.

Carley, a talented pastry chef, assembled the wedding cake with Kyle, a traditional mille-feuille of Chantilly cream, strawberries, and chocolate chips.

The bride and her father arrived at the church, in a stunning vintage red Spider convertible, making a grand entrance after the bridal party procession. After the couple made their grand entrance on the back of the vintage red Spider convertible into the main square, they were led by their bridal party into the inner courtyard for their first dance. The couple celebrated with family and friends dancing to the live band in the courtyard and enjoying the love and excitement with everyone. Guests were entertained by the couple during the cooking show, and everyone enjoyed this special moment. Carley and Kyle’s wedding was elegant, timeless and an event that their guests will always remember.

The wedding preparations took place in the family's medieval palace, which was beautifully renovated by Italian architects. The religious ceremony was held at the Sanctuary of Mary Most Holy of Miracles, a building that was erected in 1494 on the site where "multa ac diversa et stupenda signa et miracula" which from Latin translated into Italian means “many different and stupendous manifestations and miracles” occurred.

Italy has a special place in both of our hearts together and separately. To get married there was an absolute dream, and to host it at our families property was even more special than anything we could have imagined. A lot of our guests traveled out of the country for the first time to attend our wedding which was so special to share our mutual love of travel with family and friends. We wanted to lean in and celebrate the Italian culture and traditions as much as possible through our ceremony, meals, and decor. We couldn’t have done it without our amazing vendors!

The couple extended their time in Italy after the wedding to continue celebrating with close friends in Positano before heading to the island of Ischia, just off the coast of Napoli.