Daniela and Chris were married in Vicenza, Italy—home to many generations of Daniela’s family. The bride’s family legacy is woven through the quaint cobblestone streets to the most central landmark of Basilica Palladiana; a renaissance structure with a striking copper roof that Daniela’s great great grandfather built. Family and friends travelled thousands of miles to celebrate the couple at their celebration planned by My Italian Wedding Planner. Romantic details were abundant at Villa Valmarana AI Nani like invitations by Cheree Berry Paper and florals by Il profumo dei fiori. Lucky for us, photographer Facibeni was behind the lens capturing it all in these lovely images.
What made the wedding special and unique?
Daniela and Chris – What made our wedding so special and unique was truly the location. The picturesque city of Vicenza, Italy was home to many generations of Daniela’s family. Their family legacy is woven through the quaint cobblestone streets to the most central landmark of Basilica Palladiana; a renaissance structure with a striking copper roof that Daniela’s great great grandfather built. Daniela cherished the memories of her childhood summers spent in Vicenza; it became a home away from home. To know our family and friends traveled thousands of miles to witness our marriage in the most special destination was a dream come true. The magic of Daniela’s families traditions and feeling the presence of their spirits that day was beyond special.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
Daniela – At the time, I was working as a Buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. So when I (along with my mother, sister and mother-in-law to be) walked into the Sak’s Bridal Salon for my first dress appointment, I recall feeling a bit overwhelmed. Here I was, having the opportunity to try on these incredible designer gowns with intricate beadwork, dramatic waistlines and what seemed like miles of draped silk. Each and every gown was simply stunning, but simply not meant for me. Before leaving, our bridal specialist Shelbie asked if I had a picture of a gown I loved. I knew it was a long shot but showed her a picture of an Oscar De La Renta gown that I had been dreaming over for years. It was seasoned old, but I truly couldn’t stop thinking about it. Her eyes lit up when she saw the picture, “I think I saw that gown in the back!” she said. Minutes later, Shelbie came running out carrying that very gown. Tears filled the room the moment I slipped into it. I remember swooning over the delicately placed floral appliqué perfectly finished with pearl accents. I fell in love with the gown’s simple yet romantic aesthetic. This was my dress.
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
Daniela and Chris – For us (especially Daniela), the most fun part of the wedding planning process was in the details. Our wedding planner, My Italian Planner was incredible in executing our vision and incorporating these special components. Some of our favorite details from our wedding day – Daniela’s grey velvet oval monogrammed ring box (I keep it on my nightstand as a reminder of that day) – Our custom Wedding programs printed in 2 languages for our English or Italian only speaking guests – As an alternative to a traditional guest book we collected different postcards from all over Italy. Our wedding planner found the most perfect antique-inspired mailbox for our guests to “mail” us their notes – The gold script “Sposa” and “Sposo” signs that our florist so beautifully tied to our chairs with lush greens – The candle lit in honor of all those who were not able to join us that evening that shined bright as reminder of their love – The pasta alla Bolognese (Chris’s absolute favorite) that was served on the dance floor at midnight.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Daniela and Chris – The most memorial moment from our wedding was when we were announced as husband and wife for the very first time. We so vividly remember walking out to see 150 of our incredible family and friends standing in the most beautiful setting, and all of them cheering for us. We felt completely and utterly overcome with love, our hearts ready to explode with happiness and appreciation. This moment took our breath away.
Tell us how you met and became engaged. Daniela and Chris – We met over 12 years ago at Fairfield University. Funny enough, Daniela was Chris’s Italian tutor. At the time, Chris was in his Junior Year desperately trying to pass Italian class. Daniela was a Freshman, tutoring her peers in Italian to make a little extra weekend money. What started as tutoring sessions at the library turned into hours talking on the phone. Fast forward 10 years later – Chris proposed on a crisp autumn morning at a Bed and Breakfast in Connecticut. A day filled with a cozy fire, lots of champagne and apple picking. Love was in the air.
Daniela & Chris :: wedding highlights from Origami Videography on Vimeo.
Photography: Facibeni // Planning and Styling: My Italian Wedding Planner // Flowers: Il profumo dei fiori // Invitations: Cheree Berry Paper // Venue: Villa Valmarana AI Nani // Bride’s Dress: Oscar de la Renta // Videography: Origami // Catering: Cavour Ricevimenti // Rings: Weston Diamonds (designed by the Father of the Bride) // Bride shoes: Aquazurra // Makeup and Hair: Chana Moung and Noeun Moung // Groom attire: Ike Behar // Groom shoes: Gucci
// Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale