Kit & Vinny’s Intimate Florence Wedding at Villa Gamberaia

Love Story

Kit Anderson and Vinny Zygmuntowicz’s story began long before Tuscany. As Loyola University Chicago students, they met, and their friendship deepened. Over eight years, their relationship strengthened, built on shared experiences, quiet understanding, and a mutual love of travel, food, and meaningful moments—each shaping the life they built together.
Italy naturally became woven into their story. Earlier in their relationship, both had spent time abroad in Rome. For Vinny, who holds dual citizenship, the country felt like home—its atmosphere and rhythm were familiar to him, well before Italy became the setting for their engagement and wedding.
During what Kit believed was simply a birthday trip, their engagement unfolded in Sorrento, a place shimmering with anticipation and secret joy.
"Our engagement happened in Sorrento, Italy. Italy is really special to us as we both studied abroad in Rome, and Vinny has dual citizenship."
An ordinary walk to dinner became a charged, unforgettable turning point, every step layered with an unexpected, growing sense of wonder.
"We were in Sorrento during my birthday, and what I thought was going to be a birthday dinner turned out to be the second most special day of my life. Vinny proposed in a piazza on our walk to dinner. It was pouring rain all day, and it stopped briefly as soon as Vinny was on one knee."
In that suspended moment, the world seemed to hush, as if holding its breath with theirs while everything around them faded to stillness.
"Out popped a photographer who captured the whole proposal, and we celebrated together with champagne and pasta underneath lemon trees."

About Your Wedding

Their wedding vision was never about scale—it centered on atmosphere, intimacy, and an emotional presence they could fully share with those closest to them. Two years of thoughtful planning and a guest list of just 61 led to decisions marked by clarity and intention, never excess.
"Intimate destination wedding in the hills of Tuscany. I wanted our wedding week to feel romantic, intimate, and luxe."
Florence, a favorite city, offered meaning and visual beauty. Their florist’s 'Earth Luxe Tuscan Romance' concept used muted neutrals, soft whites, and layered greens so the villa’s natural surroundings stayed the focus.
"The beauty of Italy and the city of Florence really spoke for itself when planning. I leaned into the natural beauty of our venue and brought in simple, delicate florals to only enhance the Villa and not overwhelm the beauty already there."

Morning Details

Bride Getting Ready

The morning quietly blossomed inside Villa Gamberaia, golden light spilling into historic rooms and onto terraces overlooking lush gardens—each moment tinged with gentle anticipation. Kit readied herself where she had been staying, stepping onto the terrace that shimmered with the promise of new memories.
Her dress was never a question—it was an immediate certainty.
"I knew as soon as I tried on this off-the-shoulder corseted Vivienne Westwood dress with matching overskirt, this was it."The Vivienne Westwood gown balanced structure and softness, while Amina Muaddi heels and a Toni Federici veil completed the look. Her bouquet, by Lilla Florals, featured English roses, ranunculus, clematis, and seasonal flowers tied with silk ribbon, highlighting the wedding’s organic elegance.

Groom Getting Ready

Vinny spent the morning surrounded by anticipation and quiet reflection in the villa’s intimate library room. His Suit Supply tuxedo spoke of understated strength and emotion, letting the moment’s significance outshine every unnecessary detail.
Outside, the Tuscan landscape waited in stillness, holding the atmosphere that would soon shift as the ceremony approached.

First Look

Their first look took place in the villa’s gardens, as cypress trees, fountains, and a canopy of open sky framed the moment naturally. In that uninterrupted setting, their emotions unfolded completely.
Emotion surged for Vinny the moment he saw Kit, awe and gratitude coloring his instant reaction.
"She looked absolutely beautiful. I felt so lucky and excited to finally get to see her and soon be husband and wife."
For Kit, the moment shimmered in her imagination long before it unfolded, anticipation underscored by deep affection.
"I couldn't wait to show Vinny my dress. He was always top of mind when I was trying on dresses. As soon as I found it, I pictured him seeing me in it and became teary-eyed knowing he'd love it too."

Photoshoot Before The Ceremony

The villa itself became part of the visual story, offering endless variation without requiring artificial staging or intervention.
"We used all locations of the villa, both inside and outside, but prioritized outside because the beauty of it was just unparalleled."
Terraces, pathways, fountains, and garden walls provided visual depth, connecting each frame to the day’s unfolding moments.

Ceremony

The ceremony took place outdoors, surrounded by gardens that seemed to exist beyond time. Just before she walked down the aisle, Kit shared a quiet moment with her father. Neither tried to hide their emotions.
"My dad joked that he couldn’t look at me because of the tears in his eyes. It was one of those special moments you always think about as a daughter, your dad walking you down the aisle, and it was finally here."
The doors opened, and the ceremony began, every other sound and sight blurring as their world narrowed to this single, powerful moment.
"As soon as the big wooden doors opened, all the guests turned to me, and I saw Vinny at the end of the aisle (he too was in tears). Everything felt so calm and still. I felt like the luckiest girl in the world."
Two violinists played Until I Found You, each note weaving a tender backdrop as Kit walked toward Vinny—the person whose presence felt like home.
Kit’s aunt Michelle officiated, adding intimacy. Their independently written vows revealed, unexpectedly, the same sentiment—they felt like each other’s home.
"We both had no idea what the other was going to say, but ironically, both mentioned how we feel like each other's 'homes.'"
For Vinny, that moment defined everything.
"My favorite moment of the ceremony was when we said our vows to each other in front of all of her guests. Both of our vows came from the heart, and it solidified the true bond we are dedicating to one another for the rest of our lives."

Photoshoot After The Ceremony

Once the ceremony concluded, they moved through the gardens once again, allowing the space to carry the day's emotional continuity. The same landscape that had witnessed their vows now held quieter moments of reflection, marking a shift in energy from anticipation to presence.
Following this interlude, they returned to the reception space as evening approached, allowing the atmosphere to evolve naturally around them.

Wedding Venue & Decor

Choosing Villa Gamberaia had been immediate and instinctive.
"As soon as I saw the beautiful green gardens with the water fountains and stood on the terrace that overlooked the Duomo, we knew it was the property for us."
The décor reflected clarity and restraint. Muted neutrals, soft whites, and layered greens appeared throughout, enhanced by crystal and subtle metallic elements. Every detail reinforced the natural beauty already present. The setting itself remained the central visual force.
Their stationery, designed by Smitten Boutique, included custom illustrations of the villa printed on natural-edge paper and tied with silk ribbon, creating anticipation long before guests arrived.

Reception

As evening fell, the reception became the day’s emotional center. A single long table brought every guest together in a space both intimate and expansive.
"When we sat down to dinner, our reception table was one long table filled with florals and hanging chandeliers above us. I looked to my left and right and really took it all in that this was my vision from the beginning."
The moment felt laden with hope and gratitude; everything they’d dreamed now glowed in the warmth of their loved ones’ presence.
"One big long table filled with all our friends and family. The table felt and looked like so much love, romance, and excitement."
Their first dance to Volare flowed into dinner, featuring cacio e pepe risotto and a traditional millefoglie cake assembled in front of guests. Spritzes flowed, conversations lingered, and laughter filled the warm night.
What Kit and Vinny created was never about spectacle. It was about the steady pulse of presence, the luminous thread of connection, and emotional clarity—about shaping a haven where their love could fully bloom among those and the place that meant the most.