An Intimate Wedding Outdoors in Italy

Lina and Daniele's Italian "I Do's"

Lina and Daniele didn't consider their marriage in Tuscany to be a destination wedding because for the bride and groom it was only a train ride from home. Both Milan natives, Lina and Daniele met sixteen years prior on a Grecian cruise while she was vacationing with her family and he was working as the on board photographer. Lina recalls that it "was love at first sight." A decade later, the couple tied the knot in a beautiful countryside celebration on the coast of Tuscany. Lina and Daniele opted for a small ceremony that suited their laid-back lifestyle. The result was an intimate and tasteful big day within the storybook landscape that emphasized the setting, local produce, and above all, the couple's happiness.

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La Dolce Vita

The couple wed at L'Andana Tenuta, a boutique luxury resort in the heart of the Maremma, run by the Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse. The 16th century estate was historically the Medici summer villa and retains its refined elegance via centuries-old olive groves, vineyards, rolling hills, rows of cypresses, and views of the Tyrrhenian coast. On the morning of their wedding, the bride and groom took an intimate walk in the estate's golf course to watch the sunrise.

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DIY Stationery

Lina applied her creativity to the design and creation of the invitation suites. After buying Amalfi paper from Naples, she evoked a vintage style by incorporating deckled edges and a script font. "The idea was to have it look like an old letter," she explained. Included was a postcard view of the Tuscan countryside, giving guests a preview of the venue. The envelope was sealed with traditional red wax.

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Italian Apparel

As a fashion designer, it was only natural for Lina to design and create her own gown and veil. The bride opted for a timeless and feminine style that was a perfect complement to a traditional Tuscan wedding. The process of designing her own gown was so enjoyable for Lina that she has since launched a wedding collection under her label, Lina Wu. Daniele wore Italian designers too: a Giorgio Armani suit and Gucci shoes.

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Bountiful Blooms

The bride decided against a formal bouquet, instead opting for a casual, fresh-from-the-garden feel. The simple arrangement was created by local florist Fiori E Dintorni. A loose bunch of heather, lisianthus, snowberry, bear grass, and roses was tied with white fabric.

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The Ceremony Chapel

The ceremony took place in the estate's picturesque terracotta chapel topped with a bell tower. Afterwards, guests followed a candlelit path through olive groves to the reception that was held in a private garden surrounded by L'Andana vineyards.

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An Aromatic Toss

The newlyweds were showered with lavender as they exited the chapel.

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Unexpected Guests

In addition to garden and vineyard views, the farm backdrop was another beautiful feature of the location. There was even a herd of roaming buffalo.

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A Walk To Remember

Daniele's background in photography meant the couple knew well in advance which photographer would capture their special day. Destination wedding pro KT Merry was their first choice due to her emphasis on natural light.

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Family Portraits

Young relatives of Lina pose beside the resort's outdoor pool. The bride recalls how her desire for an intimate wedding atmosphere was influenced by childhood memories spent with her grandparents in the Italian countryside.

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An Italian Feast

What would an Italian celebration be without traditional food and wine? At cocktail hour, local delicacies including tomato crostini, salami, ham, olives, and cheeses were accompanied by regional wines. At the reception, the first course was pasta with squid, zucchini, and basil, followed by a second course of roast beef and caramelized tomatoes.

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The Seating Chart

Cards bearing table assignments were crafted onto a vintage ladder holding pots of regional flowers and herbs.

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Natural Centerpieces

The table arrangements, comprised of local flowers, herbs, and olive oil, reflected the rustic surroundings. The emphasis was not just on the natural beauty of the region but also on the wonderful scents and flavors of the countryside.

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Cheek to Cheek

At first Lina and Daniele both described being nervous dancing in front of their guests, however once "Somebody" by Depeche Mode played, the couple became lost in the moment.

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A Favor to Savor

As a token of gratitude and to preserve the memories from Tuscany, the couple gave each guest mini wine bottles sealed in a personalized carry bag. The wines were "Le Difese" and "San Lorenzo", both sourced from local Maremma vineyards.

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