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A Bridal Designer’s Italian Wedding Where Fashion and Indian Traditions Come Together

February 2, 2026 | justine

Ten years after making a promise beneath the pillars of Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, Sharon and Rowan returned to Tuscany to finally say “I do.” What began as a surprise birthday trip in 2014 became the foundation for their October 2024 vows and a multi-day Indian wedding in Italy that blended couture-level fashion, Punjabi traditions, and deeply personal storytelling.

Now based in London, the couple approached their celebration with intention from the very beginning. “We envisioned a celebration rooted in contemporary elegance, while thoughtfully paying homage to the Indian traditions and customs that have shaped our understanding of commitment, love, and family,” Sharon shared. That vision guided everything that followed, from the venue choice to the flow of each event.

What We Love About This Indian Wedding in Italy

  • Distinct visual themes for every celebration across the wedding week
  • Sharon designing over 40 custom looks for herself, Rowan, and select guests
  • Hosting ceremonies across Villa Cetinale’s gardens, staircases, and historic spaces
  • Emotional personal touches, including handwritten guest notes and heirloom details
  • Turning rain into one of the most unforgettable moments of the reception

Featured Vendor:
Olive in Love

Haldi Ceremony That Set the Tone for the Celebration

The Haldi ceremony marked the emotional beginning of the week, immediately grounding the celebrations in family connection and tradition.

Held outdoors in soft natural light, the setting felt relaxed and intimate. Sharon wore a contemporary yellow ensemble inspired by Punjab’s mustard fields, layered with hand-placed florals and a phulkari-toned beaded cape. Rowan complemented the look in cream chikankari with silk trousers.

“Personalisation mattered far more to us than surface-level aesthetics,” Sharon shared. That philosophy shaped even the smallest moments, creating a ceremony that felt heartfelt rather than staged.

Mehndi and Ladies Sangeet With Soft Color Palettes and Playful Energy

As the celebration continued, the mood softened into pastel tones and floral textures inspired by Tuscany’s October landscape.

Sharon’s pink and sage lehenga, detailed with hand-embroidered silk flowers and layered beadwork, mirrored the garden setting, while Rowan’s sage kurta kept the palette cohesive without feeling overly coordinated.

This portion of the week carried a lighter, social energy. Guests lingered between conversations, danced casually, and slowly settled into the rhythm of the multi-day celebration. “We wanted everyone to feel genuinely included in something intimate and meaningful,” Sharon explained. The abundance of soft colors, natural light, and shared laughter made this event feel especially connective.

Jagoo Night That Brought Bold Color and Party Energy

 The Jagoo celebration introduced deeper tones, dramatic lighting, and a surge of movement that changed the pace of the week.

Sharon’s bordeaux silk lehenga, embellished with red zari, crystals, and hand-sewn roses, stood out against Villa Cetinale’s stone architecture. Rowan transitioned into an emerald three-piece ensemble, adding contrast and richness to the nighttime palette.

“This was about celebrating femininity, passion, and evening glamour,” Sharon shared. The energy in the room reflected that intention, setting the stage for the ceremonial moments still to come.

Anand Karaj Ceremony Anchoring the Celebration in Tradition

As the celebration moved into its most ceremonial chapter, Sharon and Rowan gathered with family and friends for their Anand Karaj, grounding the week in Sikh tradition and cultural ritual.

Sharon wore a pastel raw silk lehenga adorned with pearls and white embroidery that required nearly 900 hours of artisan craftsmanship. Dual dupattas with extended trails added softness and movement, while bridesmaids and Sharon’s mother wore coordinated sage ensembles that created visual harmony across the ceremony portraits.

Rowan’s sherwani, detailed with pearls and Japanese pot beads, complemented the refined tone of the ceremony. Set against Villa Cetinale’s historic staircases and garden pathways, the space allowed heritage and Italian architecture to quietly frame the moment.

“Above all, we wanted to honour the culturally significant rituals and traditions we both grew up with and hold close to our hearts,” Sharon shared.

Choosing a Venue That Could Host a Multi-Day Wedding

From the start, Sharon and Rowan knew this wouldn’t be a one-day affair. With over 100 guests and multiple celebrations planned, they needed a venue that offered flexibility without sacrificing atmosphere.

Tuscany stood out for its balance of space and character, and Villa Cetinale quickly became the clear choice. The 17th-century estate offered on-site accommodations, layered outdoor ceremony locations, and expansive gardens that allowed guests to remain together throughout the week. “We wanted to create a village for our guests to mingle, share time, and really connect,” Sharon shared.

Working with Junebug vendor Olive in Love helped bring that vision to life. “They were transparent, informative, and refreshingly genuine,” the bride added. Their local expertise allowed Sharon and Rowan to stay focused on shaping the emotional experience rather than managing logistics.

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Vow Ceremony Marking the Start of the Contemporary Celebration

The celebration shifted into a more modern chapter as Sharon and Rowan exchanged personal vows in a setting that reflected how they live and love today.

Sharon wore a sculptural white gown with a chiffon floral train and a personalized veil embroidered with their initials and ceremony date. One of the most emotional moments came when Rowan’s father officiated. “He reflected on watching Rowan grow up and shared his observations of our relationship,” Sharon said. “It became genuinely difficult for Rowan to give his own speech afterward.”

Writing their own vows grounded the ceremony in shared history, while a quiet surprise added another layer of emotion. Sharon’s sister had attached a small photo of her late grandmother to her bouquet. “Walking down the aisle with her memory beside me felt incredibly emotional and grounding,” Sharon shared.

Building a Vendor Team That Felt Like Creative Partners

When building their wedding team, Sharon and Rowan prioritized connection. “We wanted to work with people we genuinely liked and felt comfortable around,” Sharon explained. “It was important that the experience never felt transactional.”

From caterers focused on Indian hospitality to photographers chosen for emotional storytelling, they sought collaborators who were personally invested. “When people are truly invested, they naturally go above and beyond,” Sharon added.

Reception Celebration Fueled by Rain, Music, and Champagne

That evening, the energy carried straight into the reception, where emotion gave way to movement, music, and celebration.

Sharon’s golden saree-gown paired with a feather boa set the tone for after-dark glamour as guests gathered beneath the marquee. After clear skies throughout the day, rain arrived just as the party began.

“We didn’t just dance in the rain for one song, we danced in it all night,” Sharon shared. Umbrellas quickly disappeared as guests of all ages filled the dance floor under flashing lights and open skies.

What could have been a setback became one of the most memorable moments of this Indian wedding in Italy, transforming weather into part of the celebration rather than an interruption.

 

Planning Takeaways From a Multi-Day Destination Wedding

Looking back, Sharon and Rowan credit much of the success of their celebration to intentional pacing.

“One thing we felt we did absolutely right was allowing ample time between ceremonies,” Sharon shared. “Guests never felt rushed, and vendors had space to reset.”

They also recommend planning private moments together after ceremonies. “We were swept up in emotion and missed that chance to pause,” Sharon said.

Their biggest lesson was simple: “People may admire how something looks, but what they remember most is how they felt.” By prioritizing atmosphere, connection, and breathing room, their Indian wedding in Italy became an experience that continues to live on through shared memories long after the final song.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Elena Baranchuk
Second Photographer – Ruben Larruy
Event Planning – Olive in Love
Venue – Villa Cetinale
Floral Design – Juri Franceschi
Catering – Roland’s + Haveli
DJ – Distinctive Music
Live Music – Sparkle Strings + Dhol Palyer Italy + Italian Sax & DJ
Videography – Social Art Cinema
Makeup Artist – Henna Binning
Hair Styling – Belaya Ludmila
Wedding Dress – Gisaw London
Jewellery – Purab Paschim

 

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A Cozy Dinner Party Style Wedding in Italy That Chose Meaning Over Spectacle

January 31, 2026 | justine

When Lindsay matched with Travis on Hinge during the strange early days of COVID, she wasn’t expecting anything serious. She had just relocated from NYC to Florida and was swiping with low expectations—until Travis’ profile stopped her cold with the line, “I believe at least 50% of dinosaurs in movies are fake.” The humor worked. What followed were FaceTime calls without warning, inside jokes about JNCO jeans, cross-country moves, and eventually welcoming their son, Jackson, in 2023.

By the time wedding planning rolled around, they knew they didn’t want a traditional production. Instead, they envisioned a dinner party style wedding that felt warm, relaxed, and built around bringing people together over great food and shared moments. Italy, already woven into their story, became the natural setting for a celebration centered on connection rather than spectacle.

What We Love About This Dinner Party Style Wedding:

  • An “elegantly disheveled” design approach that felt elevated without feeling stiff
  • A hands-on pizza-making welcome party led by a renowned Italian chef
  • A last-minute ceremony location change that improved light and flow
  • Terracotta travel ornaments and playful “pog” guestbook keepsakes
  • A candlelit wine cellar dance party to close the night

Featured Vendor:

Che Figata Events

Starting the Weekend With Food and Community

The celebration began with a hands-on pizza-making experience at the castle led by Giovanni, one of Italy’s top pizza chefs. Guests jumped in enthusiastically, laughing through language barriers and flour-dusted counters. Translation quickly became secondary to Giovanni’s energy and personality.

Custom recipe cards were created so guests could bring the experience home, complete with hand-torn edges for texture. Giovanni later returned on the wedding night to serve late-night pizza, reinforcing what mattered most to Lindsay and Travis: feeding people well and often.

Later that evening, immediate family gathered for a rehearsal dinner at Ristorante il Battibecco. With long conversations, endless pasta, and warm hospitality, the night unfolded at an easy pace.

How Meaning Shaped Their Wedding Location

Italy became part of Lindsay and Travis’ story long before wedding planning began. In 2022, Lindsay surprised Travis with a birthday trip that turned into his first international adventure. He fell hard for the food, the culture, and the slower pace of life. “Everywhere we went, he was half-seriously talking about buying property,” Lindsay shared.

When they explored wedding venues closer to home in Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina, nothing captured the atmosphere they were hoping to create. Italy wasn’t chosen for flash or novelty. It reflected the type of gathering they wanted to host: one built around presence, shared meals, and time spent together. That philosophy carried through to their color palette of greens, blues, warm yellows, and soft pinks—shades inspired by the Tuscan surroundings rather than passing trends.

Navigating Last-Minute Changes With Trust

Just hours before the ceremony, Lindsay and Travis were advised to move their ceremony location due to harsh lighting. While some family members hesitated, Lindsay trusted the vendor team and made the call. The new location became one of her favorite visual moments of the day.

Combined with a makeup artist switch less than 24 hours earlier, the weekend brought its fair share of surprises. But Lindsay credits preparation and perspective for keeping stress low. Staying flexible allowed the day to unfold smoothly.

Where the Most Emotional Moments Happened

Lindsay and Travis chose not to do a first look. “I wanted the first time Travis saw me to be when I was walking down the aisle,” Lindsay said. The moment delivered exactly that—tears on both sides and no distractions.

Their vows became the emotional centerpiece of the ceremony. Although they had already held a civil ceremony in Nashville with family and their son, the vows exchanged in Italy carried a different weight. “I don’t remember every word,” Lindsay shared, “but I remember exactly how it felt.”

After the ceremony and family photos, the couple carved out quiet time together with Jackson. That pause gave them space to reset before the evening celebration began.

Encouraging Guests to Dress Naturally

Lindsay’s Monique Lhuillier gown reflected her “elegantly disheveled” vision perfectly. It was soft but structured, understated yet refined, and light enough for an Italian celebration. Travis wore a custom Richards Bespoke suit in textured blues and browns that felt timeless and grounded.

They skipped traditional wedding parties and encouraged guests to wear colors inspired by nature. The result was a crowd that looked like themselves rather than styled into uniform looks. “I wanted to remember people as they are, not a version I forced into a palette.”

Hair and makeup brought another last-minute change when Lindsay realized her original artist wasn’t the right fit. Tarah stepped in once again, finding Yana, who delivered calm, comfortable energy on the morning of the wedding.

Finding a Planner Who Could Bridge Two Worlds

Connecting with Junebug vendor Che Figata Events changed everything. After struggling to find Italy-based planners who understood both American expectations and Italian rhythms, Lindsay stumbled across Tarah through Facebook. With over a decade living in Italy and fluent in the language, Tarah brought both local expertise and cultural fluency to the process.

Just as important, she understood the couple’s priorities. “We bonded over winged eyeliner and elder millennial energy,” Lindsay joked, but the real connection came from shared values. Tarah helped assemble a vendor team that emphasized flexibility, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. That trust played a major role on the wedding day itself.

Spending Where Guests Would Feel It Most

Paying for most of the wedding themselves pushed Lindsay and Travis to clarify their priorities early. Their biggest investment was securing a Tuscan venue that could host close family for several days. “We wanted more than a wedding day. We wanted time,” Lindsay explained.

From there, food, wine, and music rose to the top. These were the elements that shaped how guests gathered and connected. Instead of chasing decorative extras, they leaned into hospitality: creating spaces where people could relax, eat well, and stay present. That approach fit naturally with the heart of their dinner party style wedding vision.

Turning the Reception Into One Long Gathering

Cocktail hour opened with an abundant aperitivo spread of burrata, cured meats, olive oils, and Italian bites. Dinner followed just after sunset, when golden light washed across the stone courtyard and candlelight flickered across long wooden tables dressed in soft linens and floral arrangements.

Speeches brought laughter and tears in equal measure. First dances followed, along with a surprise Mariah Carey moment for Jax that brought the house down. Cake was cut by the pool before guests drifted toward gelato, cocktails, late-night pizza, and the dance floor.

The celebration eventually moved into the wine cellar, where candlelight reflected off barrels and glasses clinked late into the night. It was the perfect closing chapter to their dinner party style wedding celebration.

What They’d Do Differently and What They’d Do Again

Looking back, Lindsay wishes she had mapped out a few additional photo moments with family ahead of time. Still, her biggest advice is simple: fully trust your planner and core vendors. “They make decisions in real time. The better they know you, the better those choices will be.”

She also encourages couples to decide early what truly matters. “Something will go off-plan. Let it. People remember how you showed up, not the tiny details you stressed over.”

For Lindsay and Travis, their dinner party style wedding in Italy wasn’t about perfection. It was about slowing down, gathering their people, and celebrating love around one long table—exactly the ending they hoped for.

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The Wedding Team:

Photography – Kristina Chéri Photography
Event Planning + Officiant + Invitation Design – Che Figata Events
Venue – Castello di Cafaggio
Floral Design – Fede Floral Design
Catering – L’Oste Gentiluomo
Cake – Le Torte Di Matilde
Late Night Pizza – Giovanni Santarpia
Live Music + DJ – Smart Sound Events
Videography – Tauris Video
Makeup + Hair Styling – Yana Zolina Makeup & Hair
Wedding Dress – Monique Lhuillier +  The Bride Room
Groom’s Apparel – Richards Bespoke
Groom’s Accessories – Longines
Rings – Genesis Diamonds
Fabric Signage Fabricator – Fabric Signage Crum & Co
Favors – Masini Terrecotte Impruneta

 

Sponsors
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A Bohemian Valle de Guadalupe Wedding Beneath a 300-Year-Old Oak Tree

January 28, 2026 | justine

At its core, Sara and Charles’ Valle de Guadalupe wedding was about intention. They wanted a day that was close to nature, and deeply personal, shared with only the people who know them best. Set beneath a centuries-old oak tree in Mexico’s wine country, their ceremony reflected a relationship built on long friendship, shared values, and a love of travel that has shaped their life together.

The two met in high school and stayed connected for years before reconnecting after college while living in Colorado. On their first official date, Charles shared something he had felt for a long time. “He told me he had always loved me, and still did,” Sara said. From winters spent in the mountains to traveling through Asia and Europe, they eventually settled in San Diego, drawn to the ocean, sunshine, and a lifestyle that felt aligned with their future. Their wedding followed that same instinct.

What We Love About This Valle de Guadalupe Wedding

  • A ceremony with just 12 guests, creating space for real connection
  • A ceremony site framed by a 300-year-old oak tree and vineyard views
  • A desert-inspired color palette drawn directly from the landscape
  • Personal details that honored family history and shared values
  • A food-forward celebration centered on one of Valle’s most celebrated restaurants

Featured Vendor:

Proboda Baja Weddings

Finding a Destination Close to Home That Still Feels Different

From the start, Sara and Charles hoped their wedding would feel like a shared experience rather than a single event. While turning it into a full vacation wasn’t realistic, they found the right balance close to home. Valle de Guadalupe offered the sense of escape they wanted while still being an easy drive from San Diego.

They had already fallen in love with the region through earlier visits. “We love that the food there is centered on fresh produce and using all parts of the plant or animal,” they shared. “There’s also this constant connection to the ocean and a strong focus on reclaimed and sustainable elements.” 

Planning the Day Around Sunset and Lighting

A first look wasn’t part of the original plan, but timing quickly made it the right choice. With daylight savings just one week before the wedding and an early sunset, seeing each other beforehand allowed them to make the most of the light.

“It ended up being some of our favorite photos,” they shared. It also helped calm their nerves. By the time they walked toward the ceremony, anticipation had replaced anxiety.

 

Creating a Ceremony That Was Focused and Intentional

The ceremony took place in a garden at Casa Ocho, overlooking the vineyards and beneath a dome of intertwining branches locals call “The Spider.” The oak tree created a natural enclosure that made the moment feel intimate and grounded.

Having such a small group amplified that feeling. “We could truly be present with our family,” they said. Charles’ older brother officiated, adding a deeply personal layer to a moment already rich with shared history.

Incorporating Family History in Subtle Ways

Meaningful details were layered throughout the day. Sara walked down the aisle barefoot, something she knew she wanted from the beginning, with rugs laid down for both comfort and style. Charles’ oyster shell ring box reappeared, along with Western-inspired touches that honored his family’s roots. Sara carried a small silver clutch used by generations of women in her family on their wedding days, turning tradition into something tangible.

Coordinating Attire Without Being Overly Prescriptive

Wedding-day fashion followed the same philosophy as the rest of the celebration: timeless, relaxed, and in harmony with the setting. Sara shared a set of color swatches inspired by the desert in autumn, then gave guests the freedom to interpret them in their own way.

Charles wore a terra cotta suit that echoed the tones of the landscape and Casa Ocho’s walls, paired with a bolo tie and a large belt buckle passed down from his grandfather’s Wyoming mining days. The rest of the group wore variations of tan, green, yellow, bronze, and brown, creating a look that felt coordinated but not uniform.

Sara chose a high-neck, low-back gown by Grace Loves Lace, a silhouette she had always loved. Subtle coastal details like pearls, seashell accents, and an oyster shell ring box nodded to the sea while still fitting naturally into the desert environment.

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Building a Color Palette From the Surroundings

Sustainability and bohemian style play a big role in Sara and Charles’ everyday lives, so they wanted their wedding to feel just as natural. Their color palette was pulled straight from the surroundings: browns, greens, oranges, and yellows layered with deeper reds and purples.

Rather than adding elaborate decor, they leaned into what was already there. Rustic textures, organic materials, and warm tones blended seamlessly with the Baja California landscape. The result felt relaxed and cohesive, without competing with the setting itself.

Why Local Experience Matters for Destination Weddings

Planning across the border meant finding people who truly understood the area. Sara and Charles worked closely with Junebug vendor Proboda Baja Weddings, relying on their experience to guide vendor selection and logistics.

“Because we were in the US, we leaned heavily on our planners. We looked for vendors who had worked with Selene before and knew how to collaborate as a team.” That trust allowed them to step back and focus on the experience rather than the details.

Focusing the Budget on the Food and Location

With an intimate guest list, Sara and Charles were able to prioritize what mattered most. Food and location topped the list. Their ceremony took place at Casa Ocho, followed by dinner at Fauna, a restaurant recently recognized for its cuisine.

“Because we were only 12 people, we knew we could get creative with the location and really invest in food.” For couples planning a Valle de Guadalupe wedding, their approach shows how a smaller celebration can open the door to memorable, experience-driven choices.

Allowing the Celebration to Take Its Own Pace

After the ceremony, the light shifted into a warm golden glow that carried them into cocktail hour and their first dance. As the moon and stars appeared, guests quietly joined them, surrounding the couple as they danced.

“We didn’t even realize everyone had joined in,” Sara said. “Seeing the photos later brought tears to our eyes, especially watching my parents dancing right next to us.” It was one of those moments that perfectly captured the spirit of their Valle de Guadalupe wedding.

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What an Intimate Guest List Makes Possible

Looking back, Sara and Charles are grateful they trusted their instincts. “If you’re questioning having a huge wedding, know that a smaller ceremony is always an option,” they shared. Choosing an intimate Valle de Guadalupe wedding allowed them to connect with their families in a way they know wouldn’t have been possible otherwise, and those memories remain the most meaningful part of the experience.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Damaris Melissa Photo
Event Planning – Proboda Baja Weddings
Venue – Casa Ocho
Catering + Cake – Fauna

 

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