Italy has always been at the top of my travel bucket list, and I felt like I was transported there when I had the pleasure of attending Martina and Luigi’s beautiful wedding celebration in Milan. The ceremony took place in a picturesque church in the heart of the city, followed by a reception at Cascina Boscaccio in the countryside on September 29th, 2018. Both settings provided a stunning backdrop for their special day. What made their wedding truly unforgettable were the thoughtful details they incorporated, including exquisite stationery, a show-stopping buttercream cake, and rustic wooden signs. I was also impressed by the lovely florals and bouquets, particularly the breathtaking blush roses. The wedding party looked elegant in their attire, and Martina and Luigi themselves exuded style. As the sun set, the outdoor space was transformed into a magical setting with enchanting lighting, creating an atmosphere that was truly unforgettable. I’m sure you’ll agree that Rossella Putino Photographer did an incredible job capturing the essence of their special day, and we’re grateful to be sharing these breathtaking images with you.
The Proposal
As Luigi’s milestone 30th birthday approached, I decided to plan a special surprise for him. On June 14th, 2017, I whisked him away to the picturesque Formentera island for a five-day getaway. Little did he know that this was just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. The first evening, as we strolled hand in hand along the island’s tranquil shores, Luigi dropped down on one knee and presented me with a stunning sapphire ring. My answer was an enthusiastic yes, marking the start of our new chapter together.
The Vision
Our wedding inspiration stems from the captivating film ‘A Good Year’. We’re enamored with its story, picturesque setting, rich wine culture, and the juxtaposition of life’s ups and downs. Moreover, it thoughtfully explores the essence of family – a poignant reflection on what truly matters in life. Amidst this backdrop, we’re drawn to the themes of love: sweet, passionate, and all-encompassing. As our lips curve into smiles, they find joy in the most unexpected places, inviting us to revel in the beauty of our special day.
The Planning Process
As I reflect on my experience, I’m reminded of a complex mix of emotions and sensations that played out in real-time. A cocktail of anxiety and excitement, happiness and nervousness all swirling together in a delicate balance. Amidst the chaos, we managed to bring order to our plans by tackling the most critical aspects first – securing the perfect photographer for our special day. From there, we gradually built momentum, navigating the ups and downs of planning with varying degrees of ease. Throughout this journey, I must acknowledge the invaluable support of my loved ones, whose contributions were instrumental in making it all come together.
Budget
The Venue
Nestled in the heart of Milan lies the breathtaking Basilica di Santa Eufemia, a stunning example of architectural grandeur. For those seeking a tranquil retreat, the picturesque Cascina Boscaccio in Gaggiano is only 30 minutes away, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Your Outfits & Accessories
I opted for the dress by Allessandra Rinaudo at Nicole Spose in Milan, drawn to its understated yet elegant and sophisticated design. The lace detailing was particularly captivating, with the ‘demi-siren’ model perfectly suiting my taste.To complete my look, I paired the dress with a stunning pearl and crystal belt from the same boutique, along with matching earrings from La Porta Blu’s exquisite collection. My silk organza veil was also sourced from Nicole Spose.However, finding the perfect shoes proved to be the most challenging part of my styling journey. As a self-proclaimed shoe enthusiast, I had high expectations. Luckily, I discovered the sublime ‘d’Orsey’ model by Aquazzura at their Milan boutique – it was love at first sight!
Beauty
To achieve the perfect blend of beauty and elegance, I enlisted the expertise of two esteemed instructors from the CFP Milan Academy, along with their top-performing students, to create stunning hairstyles and makeup looks for my bridesmaids.
The Readings & Music
To set the tone for our special day, I hired an exceptional duo of musicians – an organist and violinist – to create a bespoke arrangement of Ludovico Einaudi’s ‘Nuvole Bianche’ melody, a favorite of my husband’s. The surprise was a hit with him! We curated two distinct musical experiences: For the welcome buffet, we brought in ‘Ladies in Tune’, three talented swing singers who got everyone grooving. As dinner approached, we opted for a soundtrack from the movie ‘A Good Year’ to create a warm and intimate atmosphere. And as the night wore on, our party DJ kept us dancing until the wee hours of 3 am! Both acts collaborated with Matrimoni&Musica Agency, based in Novara, to make our wedding day truly unforgettable.
Groomsmen
The attire, meticulously crafted by the renowned Sartoria Milano, exudes a sense of elegance and refinement. Meanwhile, the shoes are a testament to the expertise of Ago&Spago, a Milan-based boutique that has perfected the art of footwear design.
Bridesmaids
With immense gratitude, I’m thrilled to acknowledge the exceptional role my four closest friends – my beloved bridesmaids – have played in making this special day so unforgettable. Their radiant presence was further enhanced by their stunning attire, courtesy of the esteemed ‘Paper Dolls’ brand, which I had the pleasure of discovering through ASOS.
The Flowers
We opted for a whimsical color palette that blended pastel shades of pink, peach, and green – think delicate roses and tender laurel leaves. The addition of deep purple hues, reminiscent of rich red wine, added an air of sophistication to the overall aesthetic. The style we aimed for was distinctly bucolic, evoking a sense of rustic charm.To further elevate the ceremony, Caterina Maurini created not one, but four elegant bouquets for our bridesmaids, as well as exquisite buttonhole arrangements for the groom, his father, and groomsman (his brother). The pièce de résistance was a stunning flower bracelet designed specifically for my sister, who served as my witness. Throughout the entire process, Caterina’s attention to detail and flair for design impressed us, making her an absolute delight to work with.
Your Photographer
Rossella Putino’s photography resonates with its unbridled authenticity. I sought a style that mirrored her effortless ability to capture life as it unfolds, without pretension or artifice. Her work embodies the essence of ‘a day in the life’ – raw emotions, palpable sensations, and moments so real they feel almost tangible. The way she captures the fluttering butterflies in one’s stomach is nothing short of remarkable! Her photographs exude a carefree charm that always leaves me beaming with joy.
The Details & Décor
I took care of every detail and décor aspect myself, with the invaluable support of a few trusted suppliers. The finishing touches included bespoke elements such as wedding announcements designed by LeNinette, liturgical booklets, rice and confetti sachets for the traditional post-church send-off, and sugared almonds presented in special packets for guests to take home. To add a personal touch, I crafted nominal placeholders using cork stoppers with my dad’s help, while a stunning tableu de marriage was created by positioning prints on a beautifully restored antique mirror frame. As a token of appreciation for my loved ones, I gifted them delightful paper boxes filled with Montepulciano wine jams from Abruzzo, carefully packaged by EcoFattoArt.
The Honeymoon
Following the wedding celebration, we took a short getaway to a serene mountain wellness retreat, where we recharged and rejuvenated. However, our actual honeymoon adventure won’t follow the traditional route. Instead, this summer, we’re embarking on an epic journey across California with close friends in tow! The excitement is building, and we can’t wait to share the experience with you.
The Cake
For the dessert course, we opted for a delectable flower-shaped cake, its tender crumb infused with the sweetness of cream and adorned with a Chantilly cream heart, strawberry, and chocolate flakes. The culinary masterpiece was crafted by my trusted caterers, Rocca Ricevimenti, hailing from Casatenovo.
Memorable Moments
As I stepped through the church entrance, the haunting melody of the wedding march enveloped me, a poignant moment that would forever be etched in my memory. It was here that I caught my first glimpse of the love that would soon become the guiding force of my life. The evening’s festivities unfolded like a perfectly choreographed dance, with laughter and good company flowing as freely as the fine red wine that filled our glasses. As the night wore on, the energy reached a fever pitch, with reckless abandon giving way to exhaustion. And yet, despite the fatigue that crept in with the morning light, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of joy and contentment – a feeling that would linger long after the celebrations came to a close.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the calm, as you navigate the uncharted territory of your extraordinary experience. It’s crucial to tap into your inner reserves of strength and creativity to truly thrive in this momentous occasion. When faced with doubts or uncertainty, remind yourself that everything will work out for the best – and come the ‘big day’, rest assured that all the necessary pieces will fall into place.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Rossella Putino’s stunning photographs captured the essence of Martina and Luigi’s enchanted wedding celebration at Cascina Boscaccio. The bride, dressed in a breathtaking gown by Nicole Spose, with a delicate veil and belt designed by Alessandra Rinaudo, was a vision to behold. Her Aquazzura shoes added an extra touch of glamour. The groom, impeccably attired in his bespoke suit from Sartoria Milano, paired it with stylish Agoe & Spago shoes. The bridesmaids were radiant in their Paper Dolls (ASOS) gowns, while the ceremony was beautifully accompanied by the church organist, Raffaele Emmolo. The wedding’s musical flair came courtesy of Ladies in Tune and Matrimoni & Musica Agency. The floral arrangements by Caterina Maurini added a pop of color, with Rocca Ricevimenti handling the catering duties. LeNinette brought their graphic expertise to the table, while eco-friendly wedding favors from EcoFattoArt were a thoughtful touch. Martina and Luigi’s special day was truly unforgettable, and we’re honored they shared it with us.