We love it when a couple combines their backgrounds to make for one ultra-memorable Jewish wedding. And how cool is it that bride Rinat, who speaks fluent Hebrew, and groom Carlo, who’s Italian decided to swap languages for their speeches as a surprise for their guests?!
And then there’s the swoonworthy, ultra-romantic Italian venue, Villa Miani. Once the residence of a noble family, we couldn’t imagine a dreamier spot for an outdoor wedding. Photographer VD Image captured the day SO perfectly!
We’re also obsessed with Rinat’s two very different but equally fantastic bridal looks, both from Italian designer Alessandra Rinaudo Bridal Couture. Starting with a romantic two-piece number combining a princessy full skirt with the most delightful guipure lace top for the chuppah and switching into a lighter, sparklier mermaid style for the reception, Rinat was one radiant bride from start to finish.
Now over to you, Rinat!
An Italian Wedding
Rinat, the bride: We got married at Villa Miani in Rome. The villa was originally the residence of a noble Venetian family and up until the beginning of the century was still an exclusive country house. We found the location very romantic and elegant with open-air terrace, garden and fantastic halls. We had no doubt as we saw it, we felt that it was the finest setting for an unforgettable wedding.
Soft and Seasonal
We used delicate soft colors and fresh seasonal flowers. The soft color palette repeated in every stage of the evening (keeping the same story telling) – beige ivory lilac and touch of a green. Our flower designer was Flavia Bruni, and our wedding planner was Giulia Sonnino
Invitation
The invitation design kept with the general theme of clean elegant and romantic. For a special touch using nice paper and a special magnet closure combination in order to create the “wow ” effect, and something that we found cool, fun, and different from the normal traditional wedding invite that we all know.
The invite was made in a small traditional place in Rome by Ghidon Fiano.
Hair + Makeup
For my hair and makeup I choose an Italian fashion makeup artist, Silvia Raiba. Silvia works in the world of fashion and collaborates with big brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Philipp Plein and Moncler. I loved the way she works and her attention to deatil.
It was important for me to choose a makeup artist who would listen to my needs and create. Silvia gave me the best advice before the wedding. She used very high quality products for my skin and makeup as my skin is very delicate, and she took care of my skin in the process before the wedding.
I’m very happy I found her. I felt my best. I wanted to keep my look as natural as possible. I wanted to look simple and classic, and feel confident in looking like myself.
For the chuppah, I had my hair in a ponytail. I loved the look of a long ponytail with a long wedding veil. I felt that wearing a ponytail on my wedding day was the perfect opportunity to showcase my style with some statement earrings, so I chose white pearls.
For the second look I chose an extra voluminous hairstyle with long curly hair. I felt that this hairstyle evoked glamour, luxury, and style and was a perfect match for the evening party.
For my makeup I chose a fresh and natural look. My makeup became more dramatic for the evening – I used dramatic false lashes, and skipped the sheer gloss in favor of a pigmented liquid lipstick (it lasted through all the kissing and eating).
Two Dresses
I decided to have 2 dresses for my wedding day. I loved the idea of a romantic skirt for the chuppah ceremony so that I could feel like a princess, and then to change into a sparkly fun tight dress that would be comfortable for the dancing.
I took my time after the chuppah to refresh and change into my second dress and I felt it was a great idea. It gave me a second opportunity to wow the guests with different make up and hair for the first dance at the reception.
The dresses are both from Italian designer Alessandra Rinaudo Bridal Couture
The style of the first dress is super feminine: “Ether” is a refined modular wedding dress with a soft chiffon gown and top which can be used after as jumpsuit and embroidered with guipure lace. I felt that this dress fit the mood of the chuppah ceremony, and together with the skirt it was very elegant.
For the second dress I wanted something more fun and sparkly and tighter, so I choose the mermaid dress – it was a symphony of tulle and chantilly lace with sparkles. I managed to dance and feel comfortable at the same time.
I realized that finding the right dress takes time and research, so I took my time and I did my homework. As I work in the world of fashion I had an idea about styles and colors and what works best for my body type.
Pinterest, Vogue wedding and some other social media channels were my best friends, and this helped me to learn about the options and explore many new designers and styles so I really recommend preparing before going to the physical store.
Accessories
I chose silver and pearl white earrings from Chanel. The veil was simple and long and was from Alessandra Rinaudo Bridal Couture. I chose a sparkly hair band for my second dress from Fenwick.
Shoes
I had 2 pairs of shoes. For the first dress/look I chose to wear Decollete / pump very classic pointy-toe in ivory. 70mm. For the second look I chose to wear sandals with ankle strap always in ivory color. It was important for me to wear comfortable shoes and dance without issues.
It’s important to consider the venue and the dress and only then choose the shoes. I bought mine in Tel Aviv from Aro. Located in Dizengoff St, the shoes were made in Italy and they have a beautiful simple design and are very comfortable.
Our music choice
For the music, we had different segments. In each segment we wanted to tell a story; as the guests arrived we had a violinist who played soft welcome songs in English and Hebrew. For the chuppa entrance – I choose the instrumental violin version of ‘Beteshit olam of Shlomi Shabat’.
For the happy hour after the ceremony where guests had drinks and a small buffet in the garden we chose a jazz trio band. We found it very classic and matched the atmosphere, where guests could talk and eat at the same time.
For our first dance we had the Israeli DJ Nadav Zigelman. We choose the song ‘Feel the magic in the air’. For the dinner breaks we had Italian singer Giorgia Papasidero. For the party, the DJ continued with mixed Italian, Israeli, and English songs. For the cake cutting we chose ‘A sky full of stars’ by Coldplay.
Flowers
For my bouquet I chose David Austin and Astilbe Bianca. I chose ivory beige soft colors. The flowers represent purity and innocence and matched my style. For the tables and the chuppah I chose soft colors – white and lilac mixed with green leaves (to keep the idea of the garden). We used fresh flowers of the season – rose ocean song, white avalance, hydrangea, prairie gentian. Flavia Bruni was our floral designer.
Photographer
Our photographer was VD Image, and they are known as the best in Rome. We were very happy with their service.
Speech Switch
As I speak fluent Hebrew and my husband is Italian we decided to make a switch for our speeches, and I was the one who spoke in Italian and he spoke Hebrew. The guests found it nice and fun!
As this was an international wedding, guests came from all over the world. It was important to us to involve all in the ceremony, so in each chair the guest found a description of the chuppah and the Jewish traditions.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Be happy and enjoy the process! Take your time to search for the right dress. Surround yourself with positive, energetic and friendly people, people who can support you and give you honest advice and good advice. Eat well, take care of your skin, drink plenty of water. Expect the unexpected – be ready for different scenarios, cancellations, last minute changes. Make plan A, B and also C in case of rain or whatever might come.
RINAT & CARLO’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – VD Image
Wedding planner – Giulia Sonnino
Venue – Villa Miani
Bride’s dress – Alessandra Rinaudo Bridal Couture
Bride’s shoes – Aro
Bride’s accessories – Alessandra Rinaudo Bridal Couture, Chanel
Hair + Makeup – Silvia Raiba
Flowers – Flavia Bruni
DJ – DJ Nadav Zigelman
Stationery/Invitation – Ghidon Fiano
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.
