This beautiful couple, Laura and Julian Williamson, held a four-day celebration for friends and family in Tuscany, Italy. They currently live in Hong Kong but chose Italy for their wedding for both its gorgeous scenery and its sentimentality as the couple were engaged on the Amalfi Coast.Despite the challenge of planning from afar, Laura says it was all worth it in the end as it gave them time to spend with their closest friends and family.
Laura planned it all alongside her mother and local wedding planner Silke Hechler. She collaborated with the venue to organise a simple yet elegant affair that felt like a natural addition to the stunning scenery. They ensured to add small details as a nod to Italy, such as Tiramisu for the dessert, bottles of Tuscan wine and olive oil. And to add even more ‘Italy’, their rehearsal dinner was a pizza party.
Check out all these beautiful details and photos!
As many of the guests were meeting for the first time at the wedding, Laura and Julian wanted an intimate venue that could also provide accommodation to their 75 guests. In the end, they chose Villa Cetinale, a beautiful 17th-century country house in Tuscany with beautiful landscaped gardens.
The couple decided to write their own vows on the wedding morning, Laura said it was one of her favourite moments of the day.
Laura’s gown, designed by Inbal Dror, was the first dress she ever tried on, however she didn’t purchase it for months until she encountered the same dress months later while shopping in New York with her mother- she knew then it was the one.
Laura’s bouquet was simple and elegant, comprised of a delicate mix of white flowers and greenery.
While Laura was getting ready with her bridesmaids, Julian and his groomsmen were getting ready in a different part of the villa, sipping on whisky.
The couple decided not to have a first look moment, allowing Laura to have a grand entrance at the ceremony. She was escorted by her father down the aisle, something that was very important to her.
The ceremony was incredibly romantic, held on the villas extensive grounds amongst the cypress trees. Laura and Julian said their vows beside a beautiful white and green floral arch.
For Laura, one of the most special moments of the wedding was the fact her elder grandparents were able to attend, making the journey from Georgia. Her grandmother also gifted Laura and Julian their Tiffany & Co. wedding bands.
Laura noted how finding the perfect wedding photographer was one of the most important tasks. And once she saw Kurt Boomer’s work, she knew he was the perfect wedding photographer for them.
Following the ceremony, a canapés reception was held inside, with traditional Italian nibbles and champagne.
After the canapés, guests were shown to the villa’s garden for the formal reception. Their escort cards were stamped with a gold seal and were pinned on a grand green door. The couple didn’t choose traditional table numbers and instead opted for the names of their favourite cities.
Dinner was held at one long table under a beautiful white marquee in the gardens of the villa. A long garland swept along the whole length of the table and the marquee was adorned with whimsical chandeliers.
Julian, as an avid foodie, took charge of the menu. It included minestrone, tagliata with Chianina beef, calamari skewers and an octopus risotto. As well as Tuscan wine, the couple chose two cocktails to serve- G&T and peach bellinis.
Laura and Julian cut the cake with the same silver cake cutter Laura’s parents had used at their wedding. The cake was even vegan and gluten-free! The whole event was just magical and filled everyone’s hearts with love and joy.
Wedding Team:
Venue: Villa Cetinale // Planner: Weddings by Silke // Officiant: Rev. Tim MacQuiban // Bridal Gown: Inbal Dror // Veil: Jennifer Leigh // Bridal Salon: Mark Ingram Atelier // Jewellery: Spina Bridal // Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Hair Frank Giacone // Makeup: Ana Matanovic // Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo // Mother of the bride dress: Alfred Sung // Flower girl attire: Isobella & Chloe // Engagement ring: Haywards // Wedding bands: Tiffany & Co. // Floral Design: Siloh Floral // Stationary & Paper goods: Nicnillasink // Printer: Copper Willow Paper Studio // Other paper goods: Kate Turner Studio; Paper Birch Designs; Swoozie’s // Guest book: Paper Birch Designs // Ceremony Music: Olive in Love // Reception Music: The Jets // Catering: Preludio Catering // Cake: Sugarcup Cake Design // Rentals: Alma Project; Preludio Noleggio // Favours: Weddings by Silke // Transport: Andiamo Taxi & Trips // Accomodation: Villa Cetinale // Videography: 2 Become 1 // Photography: Kurt Boomer