The Dawn of a New Chapter: Francesca and Saverio's Impassioned Wedding in Villa Paola

Love Story

Francesca and Saverio's love story is one for the ages. They first crossed paths years ago at a Christmas convention. “He thought I was pretty, I thought he was interesting but nothing happened,” Francesca confessed. Years later, fate brought them back together in April 2021, shortly after the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. “He asked me out a weekend in April in Rome, invited me to his’s brother weeding in Calabria in June, proposed in August and married me in July next year…”

The proposal itself was unexpected and heartwarming. As Francesca shared, "I did not expect it. We have been together for a couple of months... He was very blunt in telling me this was 'the' love story, I was already deeply in love with him, but the proposal was unexpected... maybe also for him, considering he proposed without an engagement ring!" It happened on a sunny summer day as they visited Tropea Cathedral. Saverio simply stated, "It should be here." When Francesca asked for clarification, he responded, "We. It should be here." In that moment, she understood, and despite the lack of a ring, she happily said yes.

Francesca and Saverio envisioned a small, intimate affair with only their closest loved ones in attendance, held at a unique, non-traditional venue that they could truly call their own. Their vision was one of elegance and shared happiness. “From flowers to colors, from stationery to menus, we were looking for something consistent with the same color theme and atmosphere, warm but elegant. We wanted the best days for our guests, we try to gave the best experience possible, to cuddle them, the make them feel as happy as we were in that moment,” the bride mentioned.

As Francesca reminisced, "Villa Paola, and all the beauty you can breath, smell and feel there" was a constant source of inspiration during the planning process.

When asked about the key moment they’ll remember, Francesca replied with a laugh, "Ohhh so many good memories, impossible to choose simply one.. may be me entering the cathedral smiling, us entering Villa Paola dacing and smiling."

Morning details

As dawn broke on their wedding day, Francesca and Saverio found themselves amidst a whirlwind of preparations, infusing each moment with their personal touch. Francesca reminisced about crafting the invitations by hand, a labor of love that set the stage for their union, while their wedding bands were a testament to their unified vision. “We had very clear ideas about wedding rings, may be one of the easiest things of the whole weeding. Simply pink gold rings with wedding date and our name inside,” she stated.

Jewelry held a place of tender significance. “Saverio had the watch I gave him as wedding present, I had my engagement ring (I gave me it at some point) and the day before I had a brand new ring he gave me as wedding ring,” the bride noted.

Their attention to detail extended to their stationery suite, a collection of carta Amalfi invitations sealed with wax, bespoke menu cards, and bookmarks that graced each guest's place setting, alongside a custom wedding mass book. All were brought to life by a dear friend from Tropea, embodying Francesca and Saverio's shared vision.

The morning shimmered with these intimate details, weaving a narrative of love and elegance that heralded their romantic celebration.

Bride getting ready

For her bridal look, Francesca knew exactly what she wanted – a dress she designed herself. "It was quite easy to choose the right one, because I had pretty much clear ideas about the wedding dress," she shared. "So I designed it and ask the boutique to help me to find out something similar. And I found it out!"

Her stunning gown was complemented by a super-long veil and light pink Aquazzura heels. As for her bouquet, despite it not being tulip season, she managed to find her desired blooms, courtesy of the talented florist Gianni Cortese. “A super talented guy and the best you can find in Tropea and not only,” Francesca commented.

The getting ready was an intimate affair, with Francesca surrounded by her bridesmaid, mother, and additional friends. When it came to her bridesmaids' attire, she took a laid-back approach. "No dress code for them. I wanted them to be happy and free to choose their dress," Francesca explained. "I went out shopping with my best friend to choose only her own dress."

Groom getting ready

Saverio opted for a bespoke tuxedo from Sartoria Rossi, getting ready for the big day at Villa Paola with his parents, best friend, and brother by his side.

First Look

The couple's first look took place at the church, and their reactions said it all. As Francesca walked down the aisle, Saverio was awestruck, thinking "Wooow!" while the bride herself thought "Super wooow!"

Ceremony

The wedding ceremony was held at Tropea Cathedral, where Francesca made her grand entrance to Mendelssohn's iconic "Wedding March." A touching moment came when the son of her best friend, a 15-year-old, asked to be the ring bearer. As Francesca reflected, "Every moment was so special and emotional."

Photoshoot after the ceremony

For their post-ceremony photoshoot, the newlyweds needed no other location than the breathtaking Villa Paola, which provided the perfect backdrop for their lovely portraits.

Wedding Venue & Decor

Villa Paola Tropea was the stunning setting for Francesca and Saverio's nuptials, with a color palette of soft whites and ethereal hues. The couple infused personal touches throughout, from Francesca's custom-designed dress to Saverio's watch (a gift from his bride).

Villa Paola, and all the beauty you can breath, smell and feel there was a constant source of inspiration during the planning process.

Reception

The reception was a lively affair, with the newlyweds dancing the night away to party songs. Italian cuisine with a modern twist and traditional wines delighted guests' palates, while a local cake designer created a showstopping wedding cake.

In Francesca's words, "the team was amazing and the atmosphere relaxed," a testament to the couple's vision of an elegant yet joyful celebration.