Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Subscribe
Save Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight

      One pan, pot, skillet, or Instant Pot is all you need to for these no-fuss family dinners, including salmon, pasta, pot roast, chili, and so much more. Read More Next
    • The Best 2021 Bedroom Paint Colors

      Explore the best 2021 bedroom paint colors, according to paint experts. Read More Next
    • The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When

      Our printable checklists will tell you what you should be doing every day, week, month, season—or every once in a while—to keep your home in ship-shape year round. Read More Next
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD

    Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

    When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. All can be made in 45 minutes or less.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS

    19 St. Patrick's Day Crafts and Decorations

    Looking for a golden idea? You're in luck. Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations with our shamrock garlands, rainbow balloons, leprechaun traps, and more.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING

    The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year

    Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME

    How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts

    Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING

    How to Keep Your Houseplants Happy in the Winter

    Help them thrive even when the temperature drops.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

    You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS

    How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home

    Start by carving out a designated work area in your space.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE

    How to Start a Virtual Book Club

    From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice.
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Ceremony & Reception
  4. Wedding Décor & Details
  5. Wedding Themes
  6. Here's How to Plan an Old-World, European Wedding in Your Hometown

Here's How to Plan an Old-World, European Wedding in Your Hometown

By Sarah Schreiber
April 06, 2018
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Bonphotage

Use this Tuscan-inspired shoot, captured at an incredible Italianate villa in Wisconsin, as your guide.

Start Slideshow

1 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Credit: Bonphotage

No place has quite the same allure as Europe—which explains why it's a popular wedding destination for couples planning an ultra-romantic fête. While each across-the-pond country comes with its own rich legacy and historic architecture, that Old-World feeling distinct to Europe surrounds you no matter where you are on the continent. Whether you're standing in front of a château in the South of France or basking in the sun on a Spanish villa's veranda, there's one thing that's certain: That vibe, strong enough to make you dream of a life as an ex-pat, doesn't come along very often when you're stateside—and you sense it even less (if at all) in your hometown.

At least, that's what Lynzie Hazan of Bonphotage believed until she stumbled upon the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum in—believe it or not—Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Hazan took one look at the mansion, designed in the style of a 16th-century Italian Renaissance mansion, and knew that it "needed to be captured in an elegant way." Suddenly, the idea came to her. "While we all dream of a European wedding, it isn't always an option," she explains. "So, why not bring Europe to the couple?"

She then assembled a dream team—which included Régine Danielle Events and Frontier Flowers of Fontana—to bring her vision of a European-inspired styled shoot, complete with a color palette informed by the Tuscan-inspired venue, vintage rentals, and an antique-filled tablescape, to life. With the villa's sprawling gardens, terracotta tiled roof, and waterfront location (it overlooks Lake Michigan!) as a backdrop, it's almost impossible to believe that this concept came together in the continental U.S.

Of course, not every couple has access to a venue designed with the Italianate architecture of the past as a model, especially if they're getting hitched in the place where they grew up. But that absolutely doesn't mean that you can't plan a European-themed celebration. Here, Hazan and her team give their tips on planning and executing a hometown wedding that feels like a little sliver of Tuscany.

1 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Choose a Historic Venue

Credit: Bonphotage
These U.S. Wedding Venues Will Make You Feel Like You're Abroad

If you're lucky, a gem of a venue already exists right at home. Keep an eye out for an old mansion with "historic charm, natural beauty, and a hint of romance," says shoot planner Regina Brooks of Régine Danielle Events. "A villa is a perfect venue because it's an all-encompassing experience since all of your surroundings evoke European charm, bringing a part of Europe to your hometown." When scouting locations, also be sure to take note of any columns, crown molding, and vintage rugs, advises Hazan, since all of these contribute to that coveted Old-World vibe.

2 of 12

3 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Or Recreate Your Own

Credit: Bonphotage

If that perfect spot doesn't already exist nearby, don't be discouraged—there are ways to invigorate any space with the charm of 16th-century Italy. "A European wedding is all about appreciating your natural surroundings, so find a venue with lots of natural light and decorate with free flowing and organic flowers," says Brooks. Natural light is absolutely key, confirmed Hazan, who recommended a lush field in the place of a historic villa. "Look for a location for bridal portraits which could transport a couple to Tuscany. Golden hour in a field of lavender or rolling meadows would be perfect!"

3 of 12

Advertisement

4 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Wear a Lace Wedding Dress

Credit: Bonphotage
Get More Wedding Dress Inspiration

According to shoot stylist Rachel Dickerson, owner of Golden Style Consulting, some fabrics work better than others when trying to curate a Euro-infused bridal look. "I am love with lace for this desired aesthetic," she says, noting the beaded lace used throughout the bride's Berta wedding dress. "Lace gives a timeless, romantic air that is a perfect choice for a European-inspired celebration." Not a fan of this antique textile? Opt for lightweight fabrics like chiffon and crepe, instead, she advises.

4 of 12

5 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Add Pen Calligraphy to Your Invites

Credit: Bonphotage

Love Offering's Josefina Sanders turned to the continent's laid-back mode of living when designing and calligraphing this dreamy invitation suite. "Each piece of stationery was purposefully curated to fit the European aesthetic," she explains, citing "the culture and amazing views" as the jumping off point for both the color scheme and materials. "All pieces were created through pointed pen calligraphy on handmade paper with customized ink." Honestly, is there anything more past-perfect than a paper suite that looks like it's been written using a quill? We think not.

5 of 12

6 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fill Photographs with Old-World Props

Credit: Bonphotage

Staged flat-lays with plenty of antique details are a quick and easy way to transform that classic accessory shot into something of a different time, says Hazan. "We carefully designed flat-lays to complement the vibe we were trying to create," she says of the vintage-inspired ornate trays, rich velvet fabrics, and loose florals she used when capturing the details.

6 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Choose a Rich Floral Color Palette

Credit: Bonphotage
Discover Our Favorite Wedding Color Palettes

If you're lucky enough to find an on-theme venue, make like Renée Cerny of Frontier Flowers of Fontana and let the building's natural color palette inform that of your flowers. "The exterior at Villa Terrace is paved with terracotta brick walkways and intricate river stone mosaics; also present are hand-wrought ironwork and weathered white-washed walls. The interior is home to rich wood plank flooring and hand-hewn beamed ceilings with detailed hand painting," she explains. "I selected a flower palette that would complement the colors throughout the space and that had a fair balance of texture and a mature color gradient."

7 of 12

8 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Carry a Cascading Bridal Bouquet with Native Blooms

Credit: Bonphotage
More Cascading Bouquets You'll Love

Cerny designed this overflowing clutch with variety in mind, so she used fields of lush English gardens and conservatories as inspiration. Her blooms of choice? Narcissus, anemone, ranunculus, French tulips, carnations, and English garden roses, with grape leaf ivy and banyan vines as trailing greenery accents. Fun fact: Cerny actually sourced most blooms used in the shoot from a Dutch market, which helped her choose blooms that naturally flourish abroad—feel free to talk to your florist about doing the same.

8 of 12

9 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Same Goes for the Boutonnières

Credit: Bonphotage

Since you're approaching your groom's florals the same way you'd think about your own, simply ask your floral designer to make a mini version of your bouquet—just in boutonnière form. Here, a dusty blush rose, sprig of berries, and grapevine arrangement does the trick.

9 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Set a Romantic Tablescape

Credit: Bonphotage

The secret to getting elegant, Old-World reception tables is all in the brass vessels, candlelight, and lots of fruit (like blueberries and pears!), says Brooks. "The candles add a hint of romance while the berries and fruit continue to incorporate the elements that are found in nature," she explains, adding that when it's time to choose your centerpieces, opt for arrangements that are "loosely structured to mimic the natural flowers you'd find in a European garden."

10 of 12

11 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Serve Up an Elegant Confection

Credit: Bonphotage

Talk to your cake baker about creating a wedding confection with a romantic texture, like the elegant ruffles—they tie the dessert back to the flouncy, puffed sleeves and pleats worn during the Italian Renaissance—used on this Julie Michelle Cakes treat.

11 of 12

12 of 12

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sources

Credit: Bonphotage

Photography, Bonphotage

Film lab, Richard Photo Lab

Location, Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

Event planning, Régine Danielle Events

Flowers, Frontier Flowers of Fontana

Stationery, Love Offering

Cake, Julie Michelle Cakes

Stylist, Golden Style Consulting

Rentals, Relics Vintage Rentals

Linens, La Tavola

Rings, Mia Donna

Ring box, The Mrs. Box

Bride model, Sidney Stutzman Hatchet

Bride's gown, Berta via Ultimate Bride

Bride's Shoes, Christian Louboutin

Hair and Makeup, Kate Johnson Artistry

Groom model, Josh Sopa

Groom's suit, Hugo Boss

12 of 12

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Sarah Schreiber

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
`
View All
  • Five Essential Details to Consider When Planning an At-Home Wedding
  • A Classic New York Wedding at the Bowery Hotel
  • Chrissy Teigen Just Shared a Rare Photo of Her After-Party Wedding Dress
  • Should You Serve an Additional Dessert Course If You're Already Serving Wedding Cake?
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 12
2 of 12 Choose a Historic Venue
3 of 12 Or Recreate Your Own
4 of 12 Wear a Lace Wedding Dress
5 of 12 Add Pen Calligraphy to Your Invites
6 of 12 Fill Photographs with Old-World Props
7 of 12 Choose a Rich Floral Color Palette
8 of 12 Carry a Cascading Bridal Bouquet with Native Blooms
9 of 12 The Same Goes for the Boutonnières
10 of 12 Set a Romantic Tablescape
11 of 12 Serve Up an Elegant Confection
12 of 12 Sources

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Martha Stewart

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service
  • Media Kit
  • Sitemap
  • Martha's Blog
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing
  • FAQ
  • Corporate
  • International

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

View image

Here's How to Plan an Old-World, European Wedding in Your Hometown
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.