Imagine walking into a fairytale-like setting in Tuscany, surrounded by the opulence of the Roaring Twenties. That’s exactly what Cinzia and Francesco created for their wedding, with every detail meticulously designed to transport their guests back in time. The masterminds behind this masterpiece were Annalisa Bombarda Photography of The Sweet Side, who captured the magic of this unforgettable day.
Amidst feather fans, crystal accents, and breathtaking florals, a special guest made an appearance – a cardboard cutout of none other than Leonardo DiCaprio, paying homage to their favorite film. This stylish duo is known for their creative flair, evident in every aspect of their wedding planning, from the elegant monochrome color palette to the choice of venue that perfectly complemented their vision.
But it’s the attention to detail that truly steals the show – Cinzia’s show-stopping gown, her dazzling shoes, and that exquisite headpiece by Deloris Petunia on Etsy are just a few highlights of her stunning wedding day look. And Francesco, looking dapper in his slim-fitted suit, is the perfect complement to his bride’s elegance.
For anyone considering a vintage-inspired wedding, this lavish celebration is sure to spark inspiration and convince you that a touch of nostalgia can be the perfect way to make your special day truly unforgettable.
Our Love Story
In our former advertising agency, Francesco and I first crossed paths as creative colleagues. As we spent more time together, he discovered my affinity for Japanese cuisine and seized an opportunity to make a memorable impression. He crafted intricate paper mki using a mousepad and pencils, then enlisted the help of a colleague to dress up as a geisha and deliver the dinner invitation in a playful yet respectful manner.
The creative gesture left me with no choice but to accept his offer, marking the beginning of our journey together.
The Inspiration
Inspired by the opulence of the Roaring Twenties and the rustic charm of Tuscany, our summer garden theme is a captivating blend of Great Gatsby’s glamour and country flair. The rich colour palette, comprising black, gold, white, and pale rose, creates a sophisticated and whimsical atmosphere that evokes the essence of a luxurious summer soiree.
The Attire
As I prepared for my special day, I envisioned myself in a stunning white gown adorned with rhinestones that caught the light just so. The flowing silk train added an extra touch of drama, while the bare back allowed my wedding dress to be the true focal point. To complete my vintage-inspired look, I donned a twenties-style veil and a crystal-encrusted headband that sparkled like diamonds.
But it was the shoes – a pair of delicate rose-gold sandals that stole my breath upon first glance – that truly made me feel like royalty. Meanwhile, my bridesmaids were radiant in their pale rose gowns with intricate lace details on the back. I encouraged our guests to take inspiration from the opulence and glamour of the Roaring Twenties, dressing up in their finest attire for an unforgettable evening.
The Flowers
The decor was characterized by a subtle yet elegant palette, featuring a blend of white peonies and pale-rose English roses as the centerpiece, accompanied by the soft, rounded curves of white hydrangeas on the table.
The Ceremony
As we approached the hilltop church, we took advantage of Montecatini Terme’s iconic funicular to transport our guests in style, just like a vintage train ride from another era. The experience was truly exhilarating. Upon entering the church, I was struck by the dramatic contrast between the bright outside world and the warm, candle-lit interior. Sharing this enchanting atmosphere with loved ones created an unforgettable moment that will remain etched in my memory.
The Photography
As an art director, I’m meticulous when it comes to visuals. While scouring the internet for wedding photographers in Tuscany, I found myself struggling to find someone who could capture the romantic essence I had envisioned. The award-winning photographers I came across produced stunning works of art, but they didn’t quite convey the intimacy and delicacy I was looking for. Instead, their images felt like reportage, lacking the modern flair and composition that resonated with me.
I wanted a photographer who could distill the romance into a series of beautiful, visually striking images that would leave a lasting impression. After much deliberation, I decided to reach out to Annalisa Bombarda. Her work was unlike anything I had seen before – every frame exuded a sense of vulnerability and tenderness, and for the first time in my life, I found myself comfortable with the thought of being photographed. The end result was nothing short of breathtaking.
Each image told a story that perfectly captured the essence of our special day, and for the first time, I actually enjoyed looking at photos of myself.
The Venue
Terme Tettuccio, nestled in the picturesque town of Montecatini, Tuscany, is a hidden gem that has the potential to be ‘the one’ for every couple seeking an unforgettable wedding experience. Despite its unique charm and stunning architecture, it remains a relatively under-the-radar venue. The building’s majestic colonnade, elegant fountains, lush gardens, and awe-inspiring entrance all combine to create a truly captivating atmosphere that is reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties.
It’s little wonder that this enchanting location was chosen as the perfect backdrop for a vintage-inspired wedding celebration.
The Music
The music selection featured timeless twenties tunes, accompanied by energetic electrical swing dancing. One particular song stood out and was played repeatedly throughout the celebration: it was none other than ‘Young and Beautiful’ by Lana del Rey – a hauntingly beautiful track that perfectly captured the essence of the era, as seen in Baz Luhrmann’s acclaimed film adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby.
The Decor & Details
When I needed to stock up on unique items for my special day in Italy, I turned to Etsy. The challenge was finding the perfect materials and details that would bring my ceremony vision to life. To overcome this hurdle, I enlisted the help of a wedding planner who brought my mood-board and detailed directions to life by transforming the church and venue into an ideal setting. Meanwhile, my husband took on a creative role, crafting personalized favors with his own hands.
He drew inspiration from his grandfather’s expertise as a skilled copper artisan from Pescia, Tuscany, creating miniature copper pots that became treasured keepsakes for our guests.
The Refreshments
The culinary experience was a harmonious reflection of the theme’s essence, with each dish meticulously paired with the color palette given the summer setting, we opted for light bites from the buffet and fish as main courses The pièce de résistance was the wedding cake, beautifully complemented by Prosecco wine in golden bottles. The result was nothing short of glamorous. The overall aesthetic is a perfect blend of whimsy and romance, don’t you agree?
A huge thank you to Annalisa Bombarda Photography of The Sweet Side for capturing this stunning Great Gatsby-inspired wedding, as well as Cinzia and Francesco for sharing their special day with us. For more inspiration from vintage weddings that exude similar charm, be sure to check out our collection.
