Romantic Jewish Nuptials in the Heart of Tuscany: Talia and Avi's Wedding at Villa Pazzi

Love Story

Some love stories begin in the most unexpected places, and for Talia and Avi, their tale started at a St. Patrick's Day party at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. "We met through mutual friends when we were Sophomores," Talia reminisces. "He was the boy wearing red on the infamous day of wearing green, and I was the girl who was celebrating the luck of the Irish at my favorite fraternity house not knowing that luck would truly be on my side that day." That chance meeting blossomed into eight beautiful years together before they tied the knot.

Their journey to forever took a magical turn in Tahiti,where they were celebrating Talia's father's 70th birthday. "On January 4th, 2023, Avi and I went sightseeing on our own while my parents 'relaxed' at the hotel," Talia shares with a smile. "We visited a beautiful waterfall, and next thing I knew Avi was getting down on one knee. It was the most perfect setting and I didn't expect it at all!"

The surprise proposal had an even sweeter ending. "When we went back to the hotel to see my parents, I saw that they were sitting at the pool with Avi's mom and sister who had flown out to join us for the special occasion," she beams. "I was so surprised and over the moon with happiness. It was one of the best days of my life!"

Their journey culminated in a breathtaking celebration at Villa Pazzi al Parugiano on July 9th, 2024. For Talia, the choice of Tuscany was deeply personal. "I've always envisioned getting married in the Tuscan countryside," she shares warmly. "Italy was also the first place Avi and I ever traveled together as he came to visit me during my semester abroad in Florence. I wanted our wedding to embody charm, romance and sophistication."

Planning their dream day was a labor of love that spanned a year and a half, bringing together 150 of their closest friends and family. The vision for their romantic Jewish wedding took shape through Pinterest boards and the expert guidance of their planner, Paolo, who transformed their ideas into reality. "Our wedding turned out to be better and more beautiful than anything I could've imagined," Talia beams.

Among the whirlwind of celebrations, one moment stands out particularly in their memories. "Avi and I had a moment of taking everything in together," Talia recalls with emotion. "It was so special to have the realization that we actually pulled off the wedding of our dreams that we had been planning for over a year."

Morning details

The wedding day began with exquisite attention to detail,where every element told a part of their love story. August and White Designs created sophisticated invitations and menus that set the tone for their elegant celebration. But perhaps the most meaningful details were found in the jewelry, each piece carrying its own special significance.

As a jeweler himself, Avi poured his heart into crafting their wedding rings and several pieces that Talia would wear on their special day. Among her carefully chosen accessories was a particularly meaningful piece: "I wore an opal ring that my parents gifted to me for my 13th birthday," Talia reveals with emotion. Her ensemble was completed with thoughtful gifts from her new family - sparkling diamond stud earrings from her mother-in-law and a beautiful diamond tennis bracelet crafted by Avi himself, each piece adding to the day's significance.

Bride getting ready

The historic bedrooms of Villa Pazzi al Parugiano provided a romantic backdrop for Talia's preparation, surrounded by her closest confidantes - her mom, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and bridesmaids, who wore self-chosen gowns in harmonious blush tones. The morning was filled with anticipation and joy as the bride prepared for her big moment.

Talia's journey to finding her perfect dress was itself a story of unexpected magic. "My dress was designed by Lovers Society," she shares. "This was the first dress I tried on at my third appointment. I thought I found "the one" at my second dress appointment and went into my third appointment thinking that I wouldn't find anything better. I was wrong..." Her eyes light up as she recalls the moment: "This dress immediately felt right and I said "yes to the dress" that same day without any hesitation." The stunning gown from Lovely Bride Chicago would become the centerpiece of her bridal look.

Every detail of her ensemble was carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend of elegance and romance. Her feet were adorned with sophisticated Dior shoes, while a delicate lace veil and pearl necklace added classic touches.

Stiatti Fiori created a breathtaking bridal bouquet that perfectly complemented the romantic atmosphere, combining subtle shades of pink and white flowers that echoed the day's elegant color palette. The result was a bridal look that embodied both timeless sophistication and personal meaning.

Groom getting ready

Avi prepared for the day at I Vivai, looking dashing in his custom tuxedo from Giri Custom Tailor, paired with sophisticated Prada shoes. His groomsmen and father-in-law surrounded him with support and excitement.

First Look

The Altana at Villa Pazzi al Parugiano set the stage for an emotional first look. "She's so beautiful," Avi remembers thinking through tears. Talia shares, "Avi looked so handsome. His reaction to seeing me was so special and it was a moment I'll remember forever."

Ceremony

Under the Tuscan sun, in the park of Villa Pazzi al Parugiano, their Jewish ceremony unfolded as a beautiful blend of tradition and personal touches. The processional music held special significance - "Last Train Home" by Pat Metheny played as Talia walked down the aisle. " My dad, Paul Wertico, is a seven-time Grammy award winning drummer and this song highlights his amazing drumming," Talia explains. "I also felt that "Last Train Home" was a symbol of my parents leading me down the train tracks to my new "home""

The ceremony was officiated by Rabbi Andrea London and Cantor Natalie Young, who traveled all the way from Beth Emet congregation in Evanston, IL to join the celebration. "This is the congregation I grew up going to, and a place that my mom has worked for over 20 years," Talia shares warmly. "It was so special to have them there to perform our ceremony."

The couple incorporated meaningful Jewish traditions that added layers of symbolism to their union. "First, we did the 7 circles tradition (hakafot)," Talia explains. "The bride circles the groom 3 times, the groom circles the bride 3 times, and the bride and groom circle once together." She goes on to explain the significance: "The number seven is considered a "magic" number in Jewish tradition. It represents completeness and perfection, and is linked to the creation of the world."

One of the most touching elements was the presence of Avi's father, represented by his talit hanging under the chuppah. "His dad was very ill at the time and could not attend the wedding in Italy, but this helped us feel his presence while we stood under the chuppah," Talia shares with emotion.

The ceremony concluded with another meaningful tradition - the breaking of the glass. Avi broke the glass with his foot at the end of the ceremony prior to kissing the bride. This powerful moment symbolizes the remembrance of the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, serving as a reminder that even in life's most joyous moments, one should acknowledge past suffering. "The act of shattering the glass represents the fragility of life and the idea that even in happiness, there is always room to remember hardship," the couple explains thoughtfully.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Working with their photographer Leti during the golden hour, the newlyweds captured romantic moments throughout the villa's stunning locations – from the Italian Garden to the Olive Gallery and the grand ballroom.

Wedding Venue & Decor

The choice of Villa Pazzi al Parugiano was a stroke of genius from their wedding planner, Paolo Cicognani. "Paolo recommended this venue amongst a couple other options in the Tuscany area," the couple shares. "This one was exactly what we were looking for, not only because of its unlimited beauty and versatility, but also because of the distance from Florence and guest capacity."

Paolo Cicognani Weddings & Events transformed the villa into a romantic dream, working with a deliberately understated color palette. "I wanted a very subtle and minimal color scheme, so we used a pale blush, white and gold accents," Talia explains. Stiatti Fiori created breathtaking floral arrangements that enhanced the villa's natural beauty while maintaining this elegant simplicity.

The couple added personal touches throughout, including a clever nod to their union in both name and location: "Avi had his tuxedo embroidered on the inside of the breast pocket to say "AvItalia 07.09.2024"," Talia reveals with delight. "#AvItalia was our wedding hashtag as it perfectly combines our first names while also nodding to Italia."

"Our planner, Paolo, worked with us from halfway across the world for a year and a half and always gave us his undivided attention," the couple shares warmly. "He was driven to ensuring we had the most perfect day possible, and our wedding was better than anything we could've imagined."

Cocktail hour

Reception

The celebration began with the couple's first dance to Adele's "One and Only," setting a romantic tone for the evening. The culinary experience, masterfully crafted by Rolands Florence, took guests on a journey through Tuscan flavors. "We wanted to give our guests the authentic Italian experience," newlyweds explain, "so the menu was comprised of traditional Tuscan foods and cocktails!"

The dessert became an instant talking point among guests: "We served a Mille-feuille with chantilly cream and berries made by our caterer, Rolands," they recall proudly. "Everyone raved about how amazing this cake was. Our guests still talk about it!"

The evening reached its crescendo with a spectacular fireworks display that left everyone in awe. "The incredible firework show that was more amazing than anything we could've expected," they beam. "Our guests were so impressed!"

Looking back on their perfect day, the couple is filled with gratitude for their exceptional vendor team. "Everyone we worked with was absolutely amazing. The decor, the food, the photography, the videography, the hair and makeup - everything was beyond perfection," they share. "We are so thankful to everyone who contributed to our special day."