From Florence with Love: Vittoria & David’s Enchanting Wedding at Villa Cora

Love Story

When Italian heritage calls, the heart listens. For Vittoria and David, both Americans with deep Italian roots, their love story culminated in a breathtaking destination wedding in Florence. Though their original plans were delayed by Covid and other obstacles, fate had a more magnificent story in store.

On a perfect October day in 2023, Vittoria and David's dream of an Italian wedding finally became reality. After years of postponements due to Covid and other obstacles, their delayed celebration transformed into something even more magical than they'd initially imagined.

In just four whirlwind months, they planned an intimate celebration for 50 of their closest family and friends at the magnificent Villa Cora in Florence. Working closely with wedding planner Ilenia Massara, who expertly navigated the complexities of Italian religious wedding bureaucracy, they created a celebration that honored both their American present and Italian heritage.

Their vision was crystal clear – a classic, romantic affair of great elegance that would feel timeless. Both being Americans with Italian ancestry, they felt deeply drawn to celebrating their union in the Bel Paese, specifically in Florence, the city of art par excellence.

Wedding planner Ilenia Massara turned their vision into reality, crafting a celebration that perfectly balanced Italian tradition with modern luxury. Her expertise proved invaluable, transforming what could have been an overwhelming process into a beautiful journey of planning and preparation.

Morning details

Bride getting ready

Vittoria's preparations unfolded in the luxurious confines of Villa Cora. She chose an exquisite wedding gown that spoke volumes of classic beauty. Her look was completed with a delicate veil, elegant shoes, and a bouquet of English roses and gypsophila, all in pristine white.

Groom getting ready

Meanwhile, David readied himself in the same opulent setting, accompanied by his parents and brother. His tuxedo, tailored to exude timeless sophistication, was perfect for the grandeur that awaited him.

First Look

Their first look was a moment of pure magic, held at the ancient S. Apostoli Church. As Vittoria walked down the aisle, David’s first glimpse of her was nothing short of breathtaking. In that moment, every second of waiting melted away, replaced by the overwhelming joy of the day ahead.

Photoshoot before the ceremony

Ceremony

Wagner's wedding march echoed through the centuries-old stones as the ceremony unfolded in the historic Church of the Holy Apostles. Despite being in October, the day blessed the couple with radiant sunshine, as if nature itself was celebrating their union.

The choice of this particular church added an extraordinary layer of history to their celebration. Built in the 11th century in the Florentine Romanesque style, the Church of the Holy Apostles stands as one of Florence's most evocative sacred spaces. Originally constructed outside the city walls, it has preserved its early medieval character through the centuries, offering modern couples a glimpse into Italy's rich past.

The intimate atmosphere of the small church provided the perfect setting for their elegant ceremony. The nave, maintaining its authentic medieval appearance, was transformed with delicate decorations of white flowers and soft pink accents, creating a harmonious blend of historical grandeur and romantic elegance.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Post-ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests ventured to San Miniato al Monte and the heart of Florence for a photoshoot. The settings were chosen for their iconic beauty and the romantic vistas they offered, a perfect complement to the day’s joy.

Wedding Venue & Decor

Villa Cora, an exclusive luxury hotel designed in the late 19th century by renowned architect Pietro Camparini, served as the perfect backdrop for Vittoria and David's celebration. The historic residence stands as a testament to timeless elegance, blending multiple artistic styles in a way that is both sumptuous and occasionally eccentric, yet always sophisticated.

The couple chose a refined color palette of light pink and white, which complemented the villa's ornate interiors perfectly. These soft, romantic hues were woven throughout the celebration, from the floral arrangements to the table settings, creating a cohesive and elegant atmosphere.

One of the villa's most stunning features - its rooftop terrace - provided a breathtaking welcome for guests, who were treated to aperitifs and bubbles while taking in panoramic views of Florence. This magical setting perfectly captured the romance of the city, with its historic domes and spires creating an unforgettable backdrop.

Each space within Villa Cora was thoughtfully decorated to enhance its natural beauty while maintaining the couple's chosen aesthetic. The villa's inherent character, with its historical details and artistic elements, provided the perfect canvas for their romantic vision, requiring only subtle enhancements to create the perfect wedding atmosphere.

Reception

The reception unfolded in Villa Cora's magnificent Hall of Mirrors,where an imperial table was set with exquisite attention to detail. The string quartet, which had accompanied the aperitif, continued to fill the space with elegant melodies throughout dinner. Flowers and candlelight created a mesmerizing display, their beauty multiplied infinitely in the surrounding mirrors, creating an atmosphere of enchantment.

The culinary journey began with an artfully prepared millefoglie of eggplant, paired with buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil, followed by a delicate ricotta and spinach gnudo served with pepper cream and pecorino fondue. The main course featured a masterfully prepared braised veal cheek accompanied by glazed vegetables and thyme mayo. The menu was thoughtfully paired with selected wines from Usiglian del Vescovo - their "Mora del Roveto" red blend and "Il Ginestraio" Chardonnay.

Emotional speeches in both English and Italian preceded the couple's first dance, moving guests to tears and laughter. The celebration then moved to the garden for the cake cutting, where Villa Cora's expert catering team presented their creation against a backdrop of spectacular fireworks, which guests admired from the villa's balcony.

The evening evolved into a joyful celebration with an open bar and dancing, culminating in a delightful surprise - a midnight pizza party accompanied by a decadent Chantilly cake. The combination of elegant dining and casual late-night treats perfectly captured the spirit of Italian hospitality, creating unforgettable memories for all who attended.

A sweet finale came in the form of a delicate dessert: a marinated strawberry soup served with cream jelly and sablé biscuit, providing a perfect ending to the culinary experience. Each element of the menu celebrated the finest Italian ingredients and culinary traditions, creating a dining experience that matched the grandeur of the setting.

It was a celebration of love, heritage, and the beginning of a new chapter in the enchanting city of Florence, leaving every guest with memories to cherish for a lifetime.