There’s something about a Jewish wedding in Tuscany that just makes our hearts beat a little faster. And the fantastic wedding of UK couple Holly, a business owner, and Ben, who works in acquisitions, captures ALL the most beloved things about this beautiful part of the world.
The couple’s venue, Villa Palmieri, is quintessentially Tuscan, and we can’t get enough of David Bastianoni’s exquisite photos of the day – scroll through them and we guarantee you’ll be tempted to book a flight to Italy ASAP!
This wedding was so much more than all the fabulous details, though – the joy and love between the couple is just beyond, and there’s no better way to experience it than through their wonderful wedding video by Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Denee Motion, who, in Holly’s words, “captured the day beautifully and really found the balance of emotional and atmospheric.”
We were also thrilled to hear that Holly and Ben turned to Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Wedding Shop when it came time to set up their wedding gift list. There’s so much more to say – like, how stunning did Holly look in her Suzanne Neville gown?! – but we’ll turn you over to the bride herself for the rest…
How we Met
Holly, the Bride: Ben and I met on Hanoar Hatzioni camp when we were 9 and 10 years old. We have been best friends since, and became boyfriend and girlfriend nearly 10 years ago.
A Wedding in Tuscany
We always knew we wanted to get married in the Florence/ Tuscany region but didn’t have a specific venue in mind. We wanted it to be a large open space with beautiful gardens etc, so when we went to visit Villa Palmieri we knew it was the one and both immediately fell in love with it.
Theme & Wedding Planner
We didn’t have a specific theme, but wanted the colours to match the beauty of the venue, so went with a variation of greens/ blush. We worked with Just Seventy who guided us the whole way through and made sure the wedding day represented Ben and I perfectly. We wanted to make sure that anything we did didn’t compete with the beauty of the venue and that it looked as if it could have simply been that way/ authentic.
A Suzanne Neville Dress
My dress was from Suzanne Neville. I had been recommended to go there after friends had found their dress from there. I only tried on 3 dresses before choosing the one. It was the screen printed fabric that stood out to me, looking similar to lace but with a different texture. It was so beautiful and reminded me of the gardens in which we were getting married, making it the perfect dress for our day.
Ceremony and Chuppah
We used a structure are the venue as our chuppah, so worked on top of what was already there. We added foliage and white bougainvillea giving the impression it had been growing for centuries.
My late Papa was from Kenya in East Africa, and he passed away nearly 8 years ago. I chose to walk down the aisle to the music of ‘He Lives In You’ from the Lion King, as a way of honouring him. Musika did the most fantastic job, and worked hard to re write the lyrics for me to still fit the structure of a chuppah ceremony. It was extremely special for my family and I. My husband also wore his late Papa’s tallit for the duration of the ceremony which also made it very special for him and his family.
Ketubah
We used a lady called Yolanda, who was recommended to us by our Rabbi. We went for a laser cut design that includes certain flowers from the wedding day and other things that are special to my husband and I.
Our Music Choice
We used Muzika for the Chuppah music and party. They were exceptional and worked with the crowd throughout the whole evening, feeding off everyones energy. Our first dance was ‘Lucky’ – Jason Mraz, as this has been our song since we were kids.
Flowers
We always wanted something neutral, from white to a very pale blush. My mother used to be a florist so she had a strong image for the flowers at the wedding. Together with Marie from Tuscany Flowers the vision came to life. We had the same style of flowers on the tables, and for the bouquets and button holes so that the whole thing appeared cohesive.
Photographer and videographer
We selected photographer David Bastianoni as not only did we absolutely love his work, but he was so kind and personable and knew he would make us feel comfortable on the day. He also was very familiar with our venue so knew where to take us for the best shots and captured not only the wedding but the venue beautifully.
For videographer we used Denee Motion. We had seen quite a few people from our social circle use him and were very impressed with his work. He captured the day beautifully and really found the balance of emotional and atmospheric.
Extra details
My husband and I have a dog called Kiboko (French bulldog) who we both adore and was at all our wedding meetings with Just Seventy who also fell in love with him. The team surprised us with a cardboard cut out (life-size) of Kiboko under the chuppah so he was at our ceremony! It was such a thoughful and unique touch and we both appreciated the gesture so much. He even made it to the afterparty with us!
Honeymoon
Amangiri – Utah, USA. Beverly Hills Hotel – Los Angeles, USA Las Ventanas – Cabo, Mexico
Advice to other couples planning their wedding
My best advice would be to enjoy every little moment of the planning process. Take care and consideration on all your decisions but remain calm and level headed as the whole thing can become a little overwhelming. The year of planning goes so quickly but nothing can prepare you for the feelings you experience on the day.
My husband pulled me aside during the after party, and took me onto the stage where the party had been. We sat down and he told me to take a minute and take everything in, our surroundings, sounds etc. It was so special because the night had gone so quickly and the whole thing was a blur but it was a minute to stop and reflect on the day/ night.
HOLLY & BEN’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – David Bastianoni
Videography – Denee Motion {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Wedding Registry – Wedding Shop
Wedding planner – Just Seventy
Venue – Villa Palmieri
Bride’s dress – Suzanne Neville
Bride’s shoes – Saint Laurent
Bride’s accessories – Annoushka
Bridesmaids – Anoushka G London
Hair + Makeup – Jade Ewen, Inanch
Flowers – Tuscany Flowers
Band – Muzika
Catering and cake – Galateo Ricevimenti
Ketubah – Yolanda
Stationery/Invitation – Lynda Loves
Smash The Glass Pouch – Smashing The Glass Etsy Shop {or join Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club and get one for free!}
If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, you’ll want to join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club. Guided by the world’s number 1 Jewish wedding expert, Karen Cinnamon, Brides Club is the private community for Jewish and Jew-ish brides that removes wedstress and indecision and gives you what you need to plan with confidence during these uncertain times. Join our Brides Club here.
