Italy is one of the most beloved Jewish wedding destinations among #STGbrides and grooms – and there’s no wonder why. Between the landscape, the sunlight, and the food, this is a corner of the world like no other.
Sadly, it’s also one of the areas hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout March and April, the world looked on in horror as staggering death rates rocked the northern part of the country, with the pandemic’s epicenter squarely in the northern region of Lombardy.
Our hearts went out to our Italian friends and beloved #STGvendors, and we wished we could do more to support the wonderful Italian wedding community, who have opened their hearts to so many wonderful Smashing The Glass couples over the years.
So when international luxury wedding planner and #STGvendor La Fête let us know they’d about a gorgeous Jewish wedding-themed styled shoot they’d worked on in Tuscany, we couldn’t wait to feature it.
Shot in October 2019, before most of us had ever so much as heard the word “coronavirus,” these incredible photos have us longing for the days when we can travel safely again.
La Fête, based in London and and planning weddings throughout the UK as well as in Italy, France, and Spain, assembled a fantastic team of some of Tuscany’s very finest wedding vendors, and the atmosphere in this shoot truly does whisk us off to happier times.
La Fête and some of the other vendors who came together to make this shoot an absolute dreamscape also shared with us some beautiful words about why they love Italy so much, why it’s one of the most enduringly appealing spots for a Jewish wedding, and why the indomitable spirit of its people ensures that destination weddings in Italy WILL be back, and better than ever. Here’s hoping that can happen very soon.
“Italy, where to start? It’s a beautiful country, both aesthetically and personally, where the people are warm, welcoming, and passionate. It’s a place that you will never forget, whether you visit the North, the South or either of the coasts. Each region has its own soul, its own identity, its own charm. For many reasons, Tuscany stole my heart many years ago when I was living there for a year. That’s why I wanted to create this shoot there and showcase a different Tuscany to the typical one you normally see. A rustic yet elevated, a simple yet detailed look that reflects what Italy is all about. Natural beauty topped up with beautifully simple accents and love. That’s what everyone dreams of for a wedding, right?” – La Fête, planner and stylist
“Italians are the world’s greatest romantics. Their country is brimming with culture and magical scenery which inspired poets, writers, artists, composers and musicians. Borgo Pignano isthe perfect wedding destination, accessible via Florence, minutes from Siena and San Gimignano and Volterra. The natural charm, family atmosphere and a great love of food and wine draw us to this stunning country. At Borgo Pignano the choice is infinitesimal from the ancient olive trees, gardens and views of the surrounding countryside to its magnificent restored rooms and buildings. The spectacular 750 acre estate, between two nature reserves, offers guests total privacy.” – Borgo Pignano,venue
“As someone said, we love Italy because she needs it. And she loves us back.We are used to receivingher love every day unconsciously: every time we are fascinated by the sun rising over the Arno River on a peaceful summer morning, or when we walk along the alleys surrounded by history, art and culture. And every time we have the chance to see the deep azzurro of the Amalfi coast, or to admire the outline of the Chianti hills comfortably seated in a typical Tuscan garden, or even when we feel overloaded by laughs and screams in a typical Italian market…we know that Italy is proving she loves us, and this is why we cannot do anything but love her.” – Tuscany Flowers, florist
“Italy is the warmest and most generous of hosts, it is a truly special country with such a broad range of cultural influence. I dream of visiting again, to sit and be inspired by the beautiful landscape, weather, food, drink and hospitality.” – De Winton Paper Co., stationer
“Italy has always had a special place in my heart. As a destination wedding photographer, it is hands down my favourite part of the world to capture weddings in. Nowhere else in the world do you find such a wealth of romantic wedding venues, boasting breath-taking views and endless warm hospitality. From villas overlooking the Amalfi Coast to the rolling hills of Tuscany, if you choose to get married in Italy, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to telling the romantic story of your special day.” – Anneli Marinovich, photographer
“We have gone through a historically challengingperiodhere in Italy. We’ve been closed,waiting like a car in a garage. Now, as we prepareto turn the key to turn on ourFiat 500 and start again together, to follow the roads that wind between Leonardo’s painted landscapes, the magic of Tuscany is here for you to fall in love with -its lights, the gentle hills and good food. My artisan ice cream is ready for new weddings. There will be more strength and more love in the air. And we will be here waiting for you to live your dream.”- Miss500, gelato Fiat 500
Little White Book
Planner/Stylist – La Fête
Photographer – Anneli Marinovich
Videographer – Gattotigre
Venue – Borgo Pignano
Stationery – De Winton Paper Co.
Female Model – Giada Merli
Male Model – Filippo Bini
Baskets – Séverine Original Marrakech
Florist – Tuscany Flowers
Makeup & Hair – Lara Navarrini
Cake – Tuscan Wedding Cake
Bridal Dresses – Cayetana Ferrer
Groom Outfits – Oliver Brown
Bridal Shoes – Dolce & Gabbana
Vintage Car – Italian Vintage Garage
Rings – London Victorian Ring Co.
Gelato Fiat 500 – Miss500
Tableware & Furniture – Preludio
