An Ode to Florence: Kate & Cameron Renaissance-Inspired Wedding at Castello di Celsa
- Author: Natali Grace Levine
- Wedding date: 06/14/2026
- City: Siena
Love Story
High school, summers playing golf, and a friendship that quietly deepened into something more. Kate and Cameron met through her brother, who has been one of Cameron's closest friends for years.
"What began as an easy friendship slowly grew into something more," Kate shares. "During my senior year, with a little encouragement from my brother and his then-girlfriend (now wife), we finally admitted what we'd both been feeling and we've been together ever since—12 years."
That full-circle moment would come to define their wedding day. Her brother officiated the ceremony, his wife stood as a bridesmaid, and their daughter served as flower girl.
The proposal happened in August 2023 in Tuscany—their favorite place in the world. Cameron kept his plans completely secret, telling Kate they were headed to a group wine tasting and insisting she wear sneakers. "I later learned he had secretly packed sandals for me to change into," Kate laughs. Walking through the vineyard with what she thought was a tour group—actually proposal coordinators Cameron had hired—"we stepped into a rose-covered grotto that felt completely hidden and magical. It was perfect."
About Your Wedding
Both corporate attorneys at large firms in Washington, D.C., Kate and Cameron knew from the start that their wedding would be in Tuscany. "We envisioned a weekend with all of our favorite people in our favorite place. We fell in love with Italy on our first trip to Europe as college students in 2017," Kate explains. "Just being able to wander the streets, with art, history, and architecture at every turn drew us in and we have made it a priority to return almost every year since."
Nearly two years of planning created a June 2025 weekend experience across multiple historic venues. The welcome party at Angel Roofbar offered "sweeping views of the city's architectural wonders and a lively aperitivo hour that set the tone for the celebrations ahead." The rehearsal dinner at Palazzo Portinari unfolded in "a historic building with ties to Dante and Beatrice as well as the Medicis, immaculately restored interiors complete with original timber beams, Roman busts, frescoes by Alessandro Allori, and an incredible restaurant - Atto."
History wasn't just preferred for the wedding venue—it was essential. "We didn't just want a beautiful event space, but needed one with a story to tell," Kate emphasizes. "With origins in the 13th century, being rebuilt and added onto throughout the centuries as it passed from owner to owner, it was perfect."
Morning Details
Layers of meaning wove through every detail, starting with the stationery designed by Nicole Ferguson of Every Little Something. "The save-the-date was a cut-out of the chapel at Celsa, while the envelope liner revealed the painted ceiling of the Uffizi, offering guests a first glimpse of what was to come," Kate describes.
The formal invitations featured a custom crest: "The six Medici palle seen throughout Florence, grapevines in honor of our engagement in a vineyard just outside the city, lilies at the center, the symbol of the city, and the two-faced Janus, symbolizing transition and new beginnings." The back showcased a fresco from Villa Farnesina's marriage hall in Rome, "designed by Baldassare Peruzzi, the same architect who designed the chapel at Celsa."
Kate's engagement ring from Andria Barbone carried its own story. "I've loved antique jewelry for as long as I can remember, so it mattered to me that my ring carried a story, something unique, shaped by time, and rich with character," she explains. Their wedding bands honored tradition—made in Florence, "renowned for its gold and craftsmanship."
Kate's something blue held profound weight—a sapphire bracelet from her grandmother. "My grandmother played an enormous role in shaping who I am. She influenced my education, my career path, and my love for the world, taking me on my very first trip to New York City and encouraging me to travel far beyond it," Kate shares. That summer, her grandmother battled cancer and couldn't travel. "She sent her bracelet with my mom, who surprised me with it at our rehearsal dinner. Wearing it on our wedding day felt like carrying her love, strength, and presence with me." Her grandmother passed away that August. "Now the bracelet holds even deeper meaning: a tangible reminder of the woman she was and the legacy she left behind."
Her something new came from Cameron—an antique Old Mine pendant necklace, given in a private moment before dinner. "Standing together at a window overlooking our guests, I was completely stunned, not just by the necklace, but by how deeply seen, spoiled and loved I felt," Kate remembers. "I wear it every day now, a part of our forever."
Bride Getting Ready
The castle's main bedrooms provided the perfect setting—"beautifully feminine, light-filled with soft textures and timeless details. Sunlight poured through the windows, creating a calm, intimate atmosphere that felt both romantic and grounding as the day began."
Kate's ceremony dress from Monique Lhuillier felt inevitable. "I had saved similar silhouettes to my wedding Pinterest board since college, always envisioning something classically bridal—and this dress was exactly that. It was only the second gown I tried on, and nothing else quite compared." The moment of decision came with tears. "When I put the Monique dress back on and walked out to my family, I said, 'I think Cam would like this one,' and immediately burst into tears—the moment I knew."
Her other looks brought playful contrast: "A sculptural Danielle Frankel set for the rehearsal dinner and a beaded Kate Willa Roj dress for the after-party, which arrived just two months before the wedding and fit like a glove."
Finding the right veil took patience. "I wanted something softly vintage-inspired—light, intricate, and romantic, without competing with my dress," Kate explains. "So many options felt too heavy, too appliqué, or overly detailed, distracting from the buttons down the back of my gown." Kyha Bride delivered: "the lace was delicate, the tulle perfectly light."
Classic Jimmy Choo shoes anchored both ceremony and reception looks, while Dior slingbacks in appliqué lace made a statement at the rehearsal dinner.
Kate was surrounded by her closest women: "My mom, my sister, my best friend from childhood, my niece, my sister-in-law and my best friends from law school."
White peonies made the only choice for her bouquet. "Pink peonies are my favorite flower, but for the wedding, white felt right—timeless and classic, perfectly suited to my dress. Paired with my signature red nails, the contrast felt unmistakably me." Flowers Living brought Kate's vision of organic abundance to life. "I wanted everything to feel as though it belonged to a garden—as if the flowers were planted with intention and then allowed to grow freely, overtaking certain spaces rather than being placed there," she describes. Each bridesmaid carried a single-variety bouquet "as though she had just gathered an armful from this garden," with colors chosen to complement rather than match their dresses.
Groom Getting Ready
Cameron's getting-ready space occupied one of the castle's oldest sections—"richly masculine and moody, with darker tones, heavy textures, dramatic paintings, and a large stone fireplace anchoring the room." Natural light from the courtyard created "a beautiful balance between shadow and warmth."
The morning unfolded with ease. "Comfortable couches invited the groomsmen to lounge and settle in. Some of the groomsmen even spent the morning swimming in the pool by the Limonaia, making it an effortlessly calm, laid-back start to the day for the guys." Friends from every chapter surrounded him—"high school, college, and law school. Having them all together in one place felt like a meaningful reflection of the life and friendships that have shaped him."
Cameron chose The Armoury's 100 Series peak lapel tuxedo, handmade in Italy. Kate explains why: "The Armoury represents a thoughtful approach to dressing that feels both personal and enduring, qualities we sought in every detail of our wedding."
He also wore an Armoury double-breasted Model 6 in Piacenza high-twist wool for the rehearsal dinner—"polished, architectural, and perfectly suited to the historic setting"—and changed into "a tobacco linen Armoury Model 3B" for the welcome reception, whose "softer construction and warm tone felt ideal for a rooftop aperitivo in Florence."
Ceremony
The terraced gardens held centuries of history. "Our ceremony took place in the terraced gardens of Celsa—a place where time feels as layered and rich as the Tuscan earth itself. The castle's history stretches back to the 13th century, its ancient stone walls standing quietly behind us, bearing witness to centuries of stories long before our own," Kate reflects.
The setting itself felt like poetry. "Behind the aisle, the castle stood steady, centuries of time grounding the moment, while ahead of it, the rolling Tuscan hills, kissed by warm Italian light, formed a horizon that felt both eternal and intimate. The air smelled of sun-warmed stone and soft earth."
Kate walked to a piano and cello version of "Fine Line" by Harry Styles—deeply personal. "I love his music and everything he stands for. From One Direction to his solo career, each one of his albums has bookended a chapter of my life in some way and it felt perfectly me," she explains. Cameron playfully calls Harry Styles Kate's "second love."
Kate's brother John officiated, with his wife Heather as bridesmaid, carrying their daughter Olivia down the aisle as flower girl. "It was one of the sweetest and most meaningful moments of the day."
Walking down the aisle brought everything full circle for Kate. "I kept thinking about the two kids we were when we met in high school. It felt surreal that twelve years later, we were standing in the most magical place in the world, a castle dating back to the 13th century in our favorite corner of the world, actually living the dreams we once whispered about," she remembers. "Cameron always believed in me—and he always believed we'd make it to this moment," Kate continues. "Seeing him standing there, looking so handsome in his glasses and perfectly tied bow tie, all I could think was that he is the kindest, most perfect person I could ever dream of, and how unbelievably lucky I was to be walking toward him."
Cameron saw magic: "One of the most unforgettable moments of our ceremony was when Kate appeared at the gates of the garden—the light hit her so perfectly that she seemed to glow, like an angel stepping out of a painting, a sight so striking that guests mentioned it again and again."
They recessed to Two Friends' "More Than Yesterday"—"a joyful hint at the epic party/celebration that awaited us later that night."
Photoshoot After The Ceremony
After the ceremony, Kate and Cameron wandered deeper into Celsa's romantic spaces. "The old gardens immediately drew us in—their weathered paths, sculpted greenery, and quiet sense of age felt unmistakably Tuscan and deeply romantic," Kate describes.
They photographed near "the old gates and fountain,where the worn textures and soft symmetry created moments that felt intimate and timeless." The castle itself, "with the chapel rising just behind it," provided stunning backdrops.
"The castle and its grounds are filled with unique and historic details at every turn, both of which were incredibly important in choosing the venue, and we wanted to capture that richness—the feeling that each corner tells its own story, and together they form something truly unforgettable."
Wedding Venue & Decor
The vision centered on elevated intimacy—a dinner party infused with vibrant color and rich history. "For the design, I envisioned an abundance of color—from the bridesmaids' dresses to the tablescapes," Kate explains.
Summer guided the palette: "soft blush pinks, dusty blues, gentle greens, and warm yellows layered throughout the day. The colors were brought to life through our mixed Ginori china, the same china we use at home for our own dinner parties," creating something "light, joyful, and organic like summer, collected and lived-in, rather than overly styled."
Personalized details abounded. Welcome gifts included "a Florence guide designed by Seasons Publishing in London and a Christmas ornament in the shape of the Chapel at Celsa, all wrapped in custom book covers and paired with handwritten notes we wrote to each guest." Custom menus were "die-cut recreations of the playful door at Palazzo Zuccari in Rome—a favorite we even have framed in our home." Matchboxes featured "Vespucci wasps and Roman busts inspired by our rehearsal dinner, with our wedding date in Roman numerals at the center." They created "custom embroidered dinner napkins with our initials and cocktail napkins featuring our crest."
Dinner brought the day's most unforgettable moment. "Dinner felt like the moment time slowed. As the sun slipped behind the Tuscan hills, daylight gave way to candlelight, and the castle began to glow—its gardens, gates, and ancient stone softly illuminated around us," Kate remembers. "A long, winding table stretched beneath chandeliers adorned with greenery, flowers cascading over the edges, set for the most quintessential Italian meal."
Reception
Kate and Cameron skipped tradition in favor of authenticity. Tuscan flavors anchored the menu: "Fresh panzanella and a spritz bar during aperitivo. Dinner featured zucchini risotto, pappardelle with wild boar ragù, and Tuscan beef finished with a rich Brunello sauce, with local wine pairings thoughtfully selected for each course."
Roland's created "a traditional Italian millefeuille, which also happens to be Cameron's favorite dessert. It was hands down the best wedding cake I've ever had, and judging by the feedback from our guests, they agreed."
Cameron's brother, his best man, delivered the evening's most emotional moment. "He somehow turned our love story into art, comparing it to the stippling technique in a way that felt both brilliant and deeply personal. There wasn't a dry eye in sight," Kate remembers. "In that moment, we felt completely seen, profoundly loved, and wrapped in a kind of romance and stillness that felt eternal—as if the world had paused just long enough for us to take it all in."
Music carried personal meaning. "Music floated through the evening from a playlist I had lovingly curated—love songs from every era, a quiet tribute to my dad and his life in the music world," Kate shares.
Instead of a conventional first dance, they chose "Define" by Dom Dolla as guests transitioned from dinner to the courtyard after-party. "Neither of us loves being the center of attention on a dance floor, and the idea of a slow song with everyone watching just didn't feel authentic or very us," Kate admits. "Guests were a little hesitant at first, though the tequila and limoncello shots at the courtyard gates definitely helped. So we grabbed each other's hands and started dancing the way we would at any show or festival. Before long, people gathered around us, and from there the party took off."
A surprise fireworks show preceded the courtyard's transformation "complete with lounge seating, a DJ, lasers, and late-night treats"—a nod to Cameron's love of EDM.
The courtyard transformation was spectacular. "A massive thank-you to our incredible vendors, who transformed the courtyard into what felt like a true club, complete with stunning bars, lights, lasers, an electric dance floor, and DJs who absolutely nailed it," Kate shares, with special recognition to Tastnsax for the saxophonist/DJ setup.
Late-night comfort came via "supplì and arancini—the perfect, comforting way to end the night."
Kate reflects on the entire weekend with gratitude: "More than anything, we were intentional about curating an experience for our guests—one that unfolded slowly and thoughtfully, allowing them to truly feel Italy. Above all, we hoped the weekend offered our guests a glimpse into why we love Italy so deeply—its layered history, art, and architecture, and the way the countryside invites you to slow down and savor the moment. In many ways, the weekend was an ode to our love story and our love of Italy, shared with the people who mean the most to us."
Wedding Team
- Wedding Planner CheChic!Weddings
- Photography Alina Smit
- Wedding Venue @castellodicelsa
- Videography @thestoriesoflove.com_films
- Catering @rolands_florence
- Stationery @every.little.something
- Makeup and Hair @bezal_makeup
- Wedding Day Flowers @flowersliving
- Lights @namida_elegantevents
- Music @sweetpianocello Tuscany Jazz Collective @tastensax
- Fireworks @pirotecnicasoldi
- Photobooth @mybooth.gr
- Bar Tenders @bartenders_group
- Welcome Party and Rehearsal Dinner Flowers @fiori_di_testa_flowerdesigner
- Welcome Party Venue @angel_roofbar
- Welcome Dinner Venue @attodivitomollica
Are you sure you want to delete this project?
Cancel
Other Real Weddings
Miami
01/09/2026
Wedding
Costa Brava
01/06/2026
Wedding
Hvar
12/23/2025
Wedding
Los Angeles
12/19/2025
Wedding
Zurich
12/19/2025
Wedding
Lake Como
12/16/2025
Wedding
Phuket
12/12/2025
Wedding
Dublin
12/09/2025
Wedding
Sacramento
12/05/2025
Wedding
Phuket
12/02/2025
Wedding
Florence
11/28/2025
Wedding
St. Louis
11/25/2025
Wedding
Florence
11/21/2025
Wedding
Lake Como
11/18/2025
Wedding
Barcelona
11/12/2025
Wedding
Bari
11/07/2025
Wedding
Show More
