From Vegas to Italy: Katrina & Jeffrey's Intimate Wedding at Borgo Stomennano

Love Story

Katrina and Jeffrey's love story is a delightful blend of serendipity, shared passions, and unwavering commitment. "We were first introduced at a Halloween party in 2014," Katrina reminisces. "I was dressed as Iron Man, and he was Green Arrow—an unexpected superhero duo that seemed destined to meet."

The introduction came through Katrina's cousin, who happens to be the same age as Jeffrey. Despite their initial hesitation due to their age gap—Jeffrey is 34 and Katrina 27—love found a way. "As we went on more dates and spent more time together, we realized it didn’t matter," Katrina shares. Inspired by her parents' 20-year age difference, Katrina's hopeless romantic heart found its match in Jeffrey.

Their relationship blossomed over shared interests and complementary skills. "I work in Social Media and Digital Marketing for the hospitality industry in Las Vegas," Katrina explains. "Jay, with his background in Music Engineering and Video Game Design, brings a unique creative touch to our projects." Together, they're building a Social Media and Creative Agency, combining their passions and skills.

When they're not working, the couple enjoys simple pleasures. "We love exploring new places together and spending time with our dog," Katrina says. "Home is where our heart is, and we enjoy being homebodies, though we'd love to travel more if life allowed us. It's our way of staying inspired and connected with ourselves and each other."

The proposal came as a complete surprise to Katrina, despite her observant nature. Jeffrey orchestrated a picture-perfect moment during a hike at Cathedral Rock in Mt. Charleston, Las Vegas. "As I was "shooting" more videos, Jay, nervously laughing and shaking, grabbed my hand," Katrina recounts. "He got down on one knee and proposed, just the three of us—me, Jay, and R2."

The surprises didn't end there. What Katrina thought was a "40th Wedding Anniversary" for Jeffrey's aunt and uncle turned out to be their engagement party. "I felt so loved, and my heart was fuller than ever," she gushes.

Their engagement photos captured their love for Italian culture, foreshadowing their eventual wedding destination. "We chose a spot in Vegas called Tivoli, designed to resemble the architecture of Italy," Katrina explains. "We also chose an Italian restaurant we adore. The staff there are very close to Jay’s family and were excited about our wedding in Italy."

As they approach their 10th anniversary, Katrina and Jeffrey's love story continues to unfold. From a chance meeting at a Halloween party to building a life and business together, their journey is a testament to the power of love, shared dreams, and embracing life's adventures together.

Katrina and Jeffrey's journey to "I do" was as unique and charming as their love story. "Before the Italy plans, we did the quintessential Vegas thing and officially got married under the Tunnel of Love in downtown Las Vegas," Katrina reveals. "We had the option to have Elvis marry us, but we opted for a more traditional ceremony—in a pink Cadillac, of course!" This intimate Vegas ceremony on December 17th, 2022, was witnessed by their immediate family and their beloved dog, R2.

However, living in the wedding capital of the world, they craved something different for their larger celebration. "We were inspired by a conversation Jay had with his doctor, who suggested a destination wedding," Katrina explains. "This led us to the beautiful city of Siena, Italy. Who knew what one doctor's appointment could do?"

Their vision for the Italian wedding was clear. "I envisioned our wedding as an intimate celebration where our loved ones could fully enjoy the area's natural beauty while celebrating with us," Katrina shares. "Siena offers a unique charm that simply can't be recreated in Vegas. Being there was an extraordinary experience, making our day truly unforgettable."

The style and concept of their wedding were a reflection of their personalities and shared heritage. "I wanted to highlight the natural colors and beauty of Italy with terracotta accents," Katrina explains. "For instance, the name plates were made from broken terracotta vases that Jay and I smashed together."

As an old soul with a love for handwritten details, Katrina ensured their wedding was filled with personal touches. "I made sure our menu was unique. It was a paper bag filled with bread, with the menu hand-written by my girlfriends and me the night before," she says. "I also wanted to incorporate touches of our Filipino heritage into the ceremony and other small details."

Throughout the planning process, Jeffrey was Katrina's biggest inspiration. "Although it's common for the bride to handle most of the planning, what truly inspired me was seeing Jay’s enjoyment and involvement," Katrina shares. "Watching him appreciate every small detail we incorporated was incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that he loved all the little touches made the journey even more special and memorable for both of us."

“Overall, our wedding was a beautiful blend of personal touches and cultural elements, making it a day that truly represented us,” the couple shares.

Morning details

Every element, from the invitations to the wedding rings, reflected their personalities and shared interests. Katrina, ever the creative spirit, took charge of the invitations. "I designed the invitations myself," she explains proudly. "We sent our guests what looked like a "postcard from Tuscany," which included a link to a digital magazine I also created." This innovative approach to wedding invitations gave their guests a taste of what was to come. "The digital magazine was styled to resemble a new edition or exciting news to share," Katrina adds, highlighting her attention to detail.

When it came to wedding rings, the couple's choices were as individual as they are. "I've always wanted something that would look nice worn by itself, so my choice was simple," Katrina shares. Jeffrey’s ring, however, tells a different story. "Jay, however, has a love for magic, a passion he inherited from his grandpa," Katrina reveals. "His ring is actually a magnetic ring used by magicians for tricks." This unique choice perfectly encapsulates Jeffrey’s personality and family heritage.

In lieu of traditional wedding stationery, Katrina once again flexed her creative muscles. "I skipped the traditional stationery and designed a newspaper instead," she says. This wasn't just any newspaper – it was a comprehensive guide to their wedding celebration. "It included all the wedding details, such as the historical significance of our venue, Borgo Stomennano, the timeline, our bridal party, and places to visit in the area," Katrina explains. "It was a unique way to share everything our guests needed to know."

Through these morning details, Katrina and Jeffrey set the stage for a wedding day that was uniquely theirs – blending creativity, personal passions, and thoughtful information-sharing to create an immersive experience for their guests from the very start of the day.

Bride getting ready

The morning of the wedding saw Katrina transform into a radiant bride, surrounded by loved ones and cherished memories. Her journey to find the perfect dress was surprisingly swift and serendipitous.

"I got my dress from Perla Bridal in Las Vegas, designed by Milla Nova," Katrina shares with a smile. "Surprisingly, I found my dress on the very first day I went looking. I had no expectations, but when I tried it on, my friends including my mom and I all felt that it was "the one.”" What captivated Katrina most about her chosen gown was its intricate details. "The beautifully crafted lace design on the back was what truly made me fall in love with the dress," she reminisces.

The getting ready photoshoot took place in the picturesque Borgo Stomennano. "We let our photographer, Alberto, pick the spots for us," Katrina explains. "Borgo Stomennano was filled with beautiful locations, making it easy to find the perfect backdrops." One particular moment stands out in her memory: "One of my favorite photos was taken during dusk, with Monteriggioni in the backdrop. Alberto captured the essence of the area perfectly, adding a special touch to our memories."

Katrina's accessories were carefully chosen to complement her look and honor her heritage. "My shoes had a bit of sparkle, which added a touch of glamour that I loved," she says. But it was her earrings that held the most significance. "The most special accessory, though, was my earrings. They were made from capiz shells, which come from Capiz, a province in the Philippines where I was born. Wearing them made me feel connected to my roots and added a personal, meaningful touch to my wedding day look."

For her bridesmaids, Katrina took a unique approach. "I had my bridesmaids choose their own dresses based on a color palette and mood board I provided," she explains. This thoughtful decision ensured that each bridesmaid felt comfortable and confident. "They all delivered beautifully! I wanted them to feel comfortable and confident in their dresses and to pick something they could wear again."

As Katrina prepared for her walk down the aisle, surrounded by her closest friends and family, the air was filled with excitement and joy.

Groom getting ready

As Katrina prepared for her grand reveal, Jeffrey and his groomsmen were enjoying their own special moments of camaraderie and preparation. The groom's attire was a perfect reflection of his personal style, carefully chosen to complement the overall wedding aesthetic.

"Jay's suit was from Indochino," Katrina shares. "I wanted him to choose whatever suit and color he felt best in, and his choice fit him perfectly." This decision allowed Jeffrey to feel comfortable and confident on his big day, while still coordinating with the wedding's color scheme.

The process of selecting the suit was a bonding experience for Jeffrey and his groomsmen. "He went shopping with his best man and most of his groomsmen, who all selected their own styles within the color palette I had chosen," Katrina explains. This approach ensured that the groomsmen looked cohesive while still expressing their individual styles.

The morning of the wedding was filled with laughter and friendship as Jeffrey and his groomsmen prepared for the day ahead. "Jay and his groomsmen spent time in the villa getting ready together," Katrina recounts. "They hung out, shared whiskey, and one of the groomsmen even gave everyone haircuts to prepare for the party ahead."

As the time drew near for the ceremony to begin, the group marked the occasion with a meaningful gesture. "Once they were all ready, they had a final cheers and walked out to greet and take pictures with the guests," Katrina says, her voice warm with the memory.

This final toast symbolized not just the end of Jeffrey’s time as a bachelor, but the beginning of a new chapter in his life. As they raised their glasses, it was a moment of celebration, friendship, and anticipation for the beautiful event that was about to unfold.

First Look

The first look is often one of the most emotionally charged moments of any wedding day, and for Katrina and Jeffrey, it was no exception. This intimate moment took place in front of the entrance of Borgo Stomennano, providing a stunning backdrop for their initial glimpse of each other in their wedding attire.

As Jeffrey turned to see his bride for the first time, he was overwhelmed with emotion. "I first thought that she was the most beautiful I've ever seen her in that moment," Jeffrey recalls, his voice filled with awe. “That everything was falling into place after months of planning. It's the moment that made me realize we were about to take the most important step we've ever taken together!"

Katrina, on the other hand, was a bundle of excitement and nerves. "I was so excited and just kept thinking, 'Wow. That suit color was *chefs kiss* And also, 'Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry...'" she remembers with a laugh.

Photoshoot before the ceremony

Ceremony

Despite the inclement weather, Katrina and Jeffrey’s ceremony was a beautiful blend of romance, tradition, and personal touches. "Unfortunately the weather was bad, it was raining and cold and we were forced to implement plan B for the set-up," Katrina recalls. "But we took advantage of all the moments when it wasn't raining to shoot in the garden."

The ceremony, originally planned for the garden next to the fountain, was moved to the cellar. "It all turned out very intimate and romantic," Katrina says, highlighting how the change of venue added an unexpected charm to their nuptials.

As Katrina made her way down the aisle, the air was filled with the melodious strains of "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Haley Reinhart. "It's one of my favorite vocalists," Katrina shares, her voice soft with the memory.

The couple incorporated several Filipino traditions into their ceremony, honoring their cultural heritage:

"The Unity Candle: The lighting of the unity candle symbolizes our union and commitment to each other. The candles we held represented our unique selves, symbolizing who we are in this moment and all we will be.

The Veil Ceremony: The laying of the veil symbolizes being clothed as one. It represents the support of family and friends, who cover us in love through good and bad times. Let their love cloak us and make us stronger.

The Cord Ceremony: This cord symbolizes everlasting love and fidelity. Like the cord, our love ties us together and intertwines our destinies. It symbolizes the strength of our love, an unbreakable bond that will only grow with time.

Arras/Coin Ceremony: These coins represent responsibility, welfare, and prosperity in the marriage. Exchanging the arras coins symbolized our commitment and mutual respect, pledging to support one another through richer or poorer and to create a home that belongs to us both."

In a charming twist, the couple's close friend Chrissy served as their flower girl. "Chrissy has known Jay since they were teenagers and they've always had a close bond, staying in touch throughout their lives. She is one of our closest friends, so it felt right to have her walk down the aisle to another one of our favorite songs, "La Vie en Rose."," Katrina says.

The role of ring bearer was given to Jeffrey’s stepfather, Uncle Mark. "Uncle Mark has played a significant role in our relationship and has done so much for us," Katrina explains, "so we wanted to make sure he was included in our special day."

The ceremony was filled with touching moments that the couple will cherish forever. For Katrina, one of the most poignant was feeling her late father's presence. "There were little touches of him in the music I selected to play throughout the day, and a surprise performance from my sister-in-law singing "Sway.”," she remembers. “I had always mentioned that for my father-daughter dance, I would have loved to dance to this song. And I did, with my brother stepping in for my dad. It was a special moment that I will never forget.”

Jeffrey’s most memorable moment came when his father surprised everyone by singing "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, complete with an unexpected Italian verse.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

The couple continued their photoshoot within the stunning grounds of Borgo Stomennano. "We managed all inside the Borgo," they shared, making the most of the venue's diverse backdrops.

Wedding Venue & Decor

Katrina and Jeffrey’s wedding venue and decor perfectly encapsulated their vision of a warm, earthy celebration that honored the natural beauty of their Italian surroundings. The choice of Borgo Stomennano as their venue was a serendipitous suggestion from their wedding planner, Cate.
"Cate suggested us after a call in which we explain her our dreams and ideas of wedding," Katrina shares. This recommendation proved to be ideal, as Borgo Stomennano offered the perfect backdrop for their intimate celebration.

In keeping with their earthy theme, the couple incorporated unique elements into their decor. "We included natural elements and pieces of terracotta as placeholders," Katrina reveals. These thoughtful touches not only added visual interest but also tied in beautifully with the Tuscan setting.

Throughout the venue, the couple's chosen color palette and decor elements created a seamless blend between the natural beauty of Borgo Stomennano and their personal style. From the earthy tones to the terracotta accents, every detail was carefully considered to create a warm, inviting space for their guests to celebrate their love.

Reception

The reception was filled with personal touches. "Choosing a song was tough for us, and we only decided at the last minute. We went with "My Only Baby" by Ric Hassani," Katrina shares. "I had been playing it on repeat for the past year because I loved listening to him. Eventually, Jay made the decision for us both and picked that song, and it was perfect. We didn't really have time to practice anything for it—we just enjoyed the moment together and had a great time!"

A unique moment came during the cake cutting. "As big fans of cooking shows, Jay and I finished off our Italian wedding cake and garnished it with fresh fruits right in front of our guests," Katrina exclaims. "Our planners even had us wear custom aprons, which added a fun and personal touch to the moment."

Despite the weather challenges, Katrina and Jeffrey's Italian wedding was a dream come true. "It was an unforgettable day for all of us," they enthuse. Their love story, from a Halloween party in Vegas to a romantic celebration in Tuscany, is a testament to the power of love, family, and embracing the unexpected.