Carla and Irtaza dreamed of a wedding set against a breathtaking backdrop they’d never forget. Both avid travelers, they struggled to pick the perfect city. But when Florence emerged as a contender, it just felt right. The instant they glimpsed their venue, it was like destiny unfolding. Surrounded by the lush beauty of an Italian garden adorned with lush flowers and classic hues, their Villa il Garofalo destination wedding was a dream come to life.

In their garden ceremony, a beautiful path bordered by white flowers guided them to an altar framed by floral pillars, setting a picturesque stage for their heartfelt promises. Yet, the timeless magic continued throughout the festivities. Their reception boasted tables adorned with breathtaking centerpieces, softly lit by the flicker of candles. To top it off, sparkling chandeliers hung above, casting a spell that turned their celebration into a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

The combination of those special touches and the stunning setting truly made this event unforgettable. For a closer glimpse at this romantic celebration, take a look at the stunning details planned by Junebug vendor The Different Twins, all photographed beautifully by Linda Nari Photography.

The Couple:

Carla and Irtaza

The Wedding:

Villa il Garofalo, Italy

Saying “I Do” at Their Villa il Garofalo Destination Wedding With Florence’s Iconic Duomo as Backdrop

From the beginning of wedding planning, we knew we wanted a timeless event and a breathtaking view. As lovers of travel, narrowing down the city was the hardest part. But once we both decided on Florence and our planner showed us Villa il Garofalo, which was also the home of Dante and Beatrice, everything else fell into place. The villa itself is stunning, with its beautiful gardens and classic architecture. It overlooks the entire city of Florence, and you get a picture-perfect view of the Duomo from the gardens of the villa. 

Crafting the Perfect Italian Garden Celebration

With the villa selected, the decision to have an Italian garden wedding was seamless. Everything after that was geared towards giving the event a timeless and classic feel, just as we had wanted. From the table settings to floral arrangements to the classic Italian Millefeuille cake and gelato cart, our mindset was focused on simple yet elegant choices. Of course, our amazing wedding team helped bring our visions to reality—they were incredible.

A DJ With a Live Saxophone Player, Endless Hugo Spritzes, and an Incredible Ceremony View

For my husband, the most memorable part was the cocktail hour–from the exit to the champagne tower–and then the DJ with a live saxophone player. Not to mention all the amazing aperitifs. It is truly a special feeling getting to celebrate that moment with our closest family and friends. The Hugo spritz was flowing, and people were already dancing the day away in celebration. For me, it was the actual wedding ceremony itself. The emotion of walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing my closest friends and family in Florence, with my future husband awaiting me while overlooking the Duomo, was overwhelming and memorable. We also had one of our best friends as our officiant, making the ceremony feel all the more meaningful.

Why Hiring a Planner is Key to Stress-Free Planning Their Villa il Garofalo Destination Wedding

Hire a great planner; they will make your life so much easier. Also, let the vendors guide you and give them the freedom to express their creativity. They are experts and very experienced, and they will be able to make your dreams come true without you needing to micromanage every detail. For example, we provided our florist with a color scheme and instructions to make the flowers feel timeless, and she ran with it and did an incredible job. Too many times, we want to be involved in every last detail, which makes the planning process too stressful.

Treasures From Florence and Handcrafted Mementos to Welcome Their Guests at Their Villa il Garofalo Destination Wedding

At our welcome party, we gave our guests a Florence tote bag filled with our wedding newspaper, risotto, and a mini bottle of Chianti. All of the items were purchased in Florence. For the day of the wedding, we paid our calligrapher to hand-paint watercolor postcards.

Recommended Reading: Wedding Reception Table Ideas + Tips For Deciding What’s Best For Your Big Day

Congratulations to Carla and Irtaza on their timeless Villa il Garofalo destination wedding With sweeping views. A huge thanks to Junebug vendor The Different Twins for helping plan all the dreamy moments couples can use as inspiration. To see more amazing celebrations, check out their profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding planners.

A destination wedding offers a unique and intimate experience for both the couple and their guests. Plus, choosing a beautiful location as the backdrop for your special day adds an extra layer of magic and romance. However, the key to making your wedding truly exceptional lies in partnering with experienced vendors who can bring your vision to life.