When Taylor and Bree began planning their Villa Parker wedding, they envisioned something timeless, cozy, and full of Italian-inspired charm. With both having roots in Italian families, they wanted their day to feel like a gathering in the countryside. The celebration was complete with a long family-style dinner under the stars, lush greenery, and warm hospitality that made every guest feel at home.
Their story began in an improv comedy theater in Tampa, Florida, back in 2019. “We were performing in a scene about a couple shopping for a couch. I guess you could say we just never called ‘cut!’” After five years of dating, they decided to host a destination celebration that brought together their loved ones in Colorado, a place close to their hearts.
What We Love About This Villa Parker Wedding
- A classic, minimalist color palette of black, white, and olive green
- Dinner under the stars at Villa Parker’s back patio
- Family-style Italian feast and dessert cannoli + gelato cart
- Day-after mountain photos in their wedding attire
Classic and Minimalist Wedding Style Done Their Way
Bree’s goal for her bridal stylewas simple: “I just wanted to feel like myself.” She achieved that with the Celeste gown by Justin Alexander, a minimalist yet modern silhouette that paired beautifully with a thrifted vintage lace veil restored by a family friend. “The lace trim brought that old Italian feel, and the drama of the veil contrasted perfectly with the simplicity of the dress.”
Her maid of honor wore a silk olive-green Jenny Yoo gown, adding subtle color against the black-and-white theme. Taylor looked sharp in a custom Indochino tuxedo with a bow tie, matched by the fathers and grandfathers. “He really wanted the look to feel elevated,” Bree shared, “and the tailored tux definitely did that.”
Why They Chose Villa Parker
When planning their destination wedding, Taylor and Bree knew Colorado would be the place. “It’s somewhere we’ve traveled to a lot as a couple, and it felt like such a big part of our story,” they said. Once they visited Villa Parker, everything fell into place.
The venue’s Tuscan-style architecture and intimate setting felt instantly right. “Our venue really feels like an old Italian villa or house. It was cozy yet elegant. We could have dinner outside under the lights and didn’t need to do much décor because Villa Parker has so much personality already.”
Florals in the courtyard fountain, candles on the tables, and arrangements in the ballroom chandelier enhanced the natural atmosphere. Their coordinator helped bring all the details together so the couple could focus on what mattered most—being present with their guests.
A Ceremony Full of Meaning
In the villa’s sunlit courtyard, Taylor and Bree exchanged vows in a ceremony that felt relaxed and deeply personal. Their close friend Branson officiated while the couple wrote their own vows, which made the moment both heartfelt and fun. “We wrote our own vows, and it ended up being such a blast,” Bree shared. Guests stayed to mingle in the courtyard afterward, enjoying the setting before moving into cocktail hour.
Choosing Vendors Who Shared Their Vision and Values
The couple planned the day themselves with the help of their parents and a few trusted Colorado vendors. They first discovered their photographer Madeline J Studios through the venue. “We saw her photos from Villa Parker and immediately knew we wanted her,” they said. “There hasn’t been a single person who’s seen our photos and not been amazed.”
Food was another top priority. Villa Parker connected them with Chef Victor of Elevated Taste Catering, who worked closely with the couple to design an Italian family-style feast. “Victor sat with us and worked through every detail to make sure our big Italian dinner was perfect,” they recalled.
To keep the energy high, DJ Matt Franco of Rise DJs kept the dance floor going all night. pink cowboy hats, feather boas, and oversized glasses also helped make for unforgettable photos.
A Villa Parker Reception Focused on Connection and Celebration
Dinner took place outdoors at one long connected table, where guests shared a family-style meal under the string lights. “We did toasts between each course,” Bree said. “It helped pace the evening and made everything intimate and fun.”
The setup was simple but intentional, with candles, florals, and conversation filling the space. Later in the night, the tone shifted from relaxed to lively. “Taylor’s family are big Broadway fans. There was quite a bit of impromptu performance as the night went on, and it was so much fun.” One of the night’s highlights was when Taylor’s dad sang for the mother-son dance.
Instead of a traditional wedding cake, Chef Victor surprised guests with a cannoli and gelato cart, a nostalgic nod to their Italian roots.
What They Learned From Planning Their Villa Parker Wedding
Not everything went exactly according to plan (“Our seating chart got a little out of sorts,” they admitted), but the couple took it in stride. “We didn’t want to set ourselves up to be wrecked if something went wrong. What mattered most was that everyone was there and we got married, everything else was icing on the cake.”
Their biggest advice? “Focus on what makes you you,” they shared. “Many people will tell you what you should do, but your wedding should be built around what’s meaningful to you. Don’t do traditions just because people expect them. Do them because they matter to you.”
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Madeline J Studios
Venue – Villa Parker
Floral Design – Petals on the Prairie
Catering – Elevated Taste Catering
DJ – Matt Franco
Makeup Artist – Taylor Olson Makeup
Wedding Dress – The Bridal Collection
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Jenny Yoo
Groom’s Apparel – Indochino
Groomsmen’s Apparel – Jos. A. Bank
Rentals – Colorado Party Rentals
Transportation – Blue River Transportation & Events
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