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
  • About Us

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!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • 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
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • 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 Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

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!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. Wedding Styles
  5. Seasonal Weddings
  6. Spring Weddings
  7. A Super Fashionable Destination Wedding in Italy
Martha Stewart Weddings

A Super Fashionable Destination Wedding in Italy

By Shira Savada
Skip gallery slides
Pin
alexis zach wedding italy bridesmaids
Credit: Kyle John Photography

You'll want to wear all of the stunning dresses seen on the bride and her attendants.

Start Slideshow

1 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Alexis and Zach

alexis zach wedding italy couple close-up
Credit: Kyle John Photography

Alexis Corry and Zach Kappel met during their high school days in Florida, but reconnected in Pittsburgh when Zach was going to law school and Lex was working on opening a store. They met up for coffee and the rest is history. A few years later, and now an attorney and boutique owner, the couple got engaged while on a getaway to one of their favorite resorts in the Pennsylvania woodlands. The travel-loving duo set off to the rolling hills of Tuscany for an Italian adventure and wedding on May 28, 2017. One which the twosome calls a "magical fairytale where dreams came true."

The wedding was everything they wanted—an intimate ceremony (just 50 guests), a reception full of delicious food and wine (courtesy of the award-winning chef at their venue, Borgo Santo Pietro), the captivating energy of their live jazz band, and being surrounded by lots of love. Of course it was also a fashionable affair, which was to be expected considering Lex's background and her job as a stylist. The ensembles she put together for herself, her husband-to-be, and the wedding party were the finishing touch at this charming Italian fête.

1 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Stationery

alexis zach wedding italy invitation
Credit: Kyle John Photography
Classic Wedding Invitations for Traditional Brides and Grooms

Written Word Calligraphy designed the invitation suite, which fused hand-penned script and a capitalized font. Matte ink added a masculine touch to the Tuscan-inspired stationery, which was further showcased on the handmade paper. The finishing touch was an illustration of the reception venue, featured on the response card.

2 of 19

3 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Venue

alexis zach wedding italy venue countryside
Credit: Kyle John Photography

Lex has long dreamed of getting married under the Tuscan sun. Inspired by their love of travel and adventure, Lex and Zach decided to have an intimate wedding in the town of Chiusdino, Italy. After a visit to Borgo Santo Pietro and the local church, it was clear that they had found the perfect location for their intimate, destination wedding.

3 of 19

Advertisement

4 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Say Cheese

alexis zach wedding italy cheese tasting wine
Credit: Kyle John Photography

The groom wanted to do something relaxing before the wedding and all the celebrating that followed. He tapped into his passion of food and wine and worked with the hotel's sommelier to have a tasting for himself and his groomsmen. "It was wonderful," Zach says. "He handpicked the cheese selection to pair with the wines and discussed them from start to finish. Looking out at the rolling hiss as we tasted was a slice of heaven and a great way for the guys to catch their breath before the big night."

4 of 19

5 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Handmade with Love

alexis zach wedding italy dishes
Credit: Kyle John Photography

The bride made bracelets for her bridesmaids using seed beads and pearls. She gifted each woman her handmade surprise in gilded, hand-crafted porcelain heart dishes by Jan Burtz.

5 of 19

6 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Attire

alexis zach wedding italy couple kiss dress
Credit: Kyle John Photography

Zach went tie-free and stuck to a neutral palette, wearing a beige blazer, pale blue shirt, white slacks, and smoking shoes made of sumac carpets from Turkey. "The style and colors felt very relaxed and Tuscan," Lex says of the ensemble's worn by the groom and his attendants.

Lex's search for her wedding dress was a long one, and one with a multifaceted outcome. After meeting with fashion designer friend Maria Korovilas—who was in the midst of designing a bridal collection—Lex decided to expand her boutique from just womenswear and menswear, opening Lex & Lynne Bridal. In working with designer through her store, she was able to curate a wedding ensemble that was her exact vision. In the end, she chose a stunning wedding dress from Maria's collection. The "Theodora" gown boasts 3D embroidery and antique brass accents, all in an easy, elegant silhouette. "The gown was a bit sheer and I love the way the Tuscan sun illuminated it," Lex says. A veil worn as a train added extra drama.

6 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Delicate Details

alexis zach wedding italy bride dress jewelry close-up
Credit: Kyle John Photography

Instead of actual bouquets, the beaded flowers on Lex's gown (and her bridesmaids' similarly ornate frocks, all by Maria Korovilas) served as the days' flowers.

7 of 19

8 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bridal Party

alexis zach wedding italy bridesmaids
Credit: Kyle John Photography

Lex's attendants (and her mom to her left) wore dresses made by the same designer, Maria Korovilas, as a way of further accentuating the day's whimsical aesthetic. "I wanted us to wear white, ivory, and brass tones that were really bold," Lex explains. "Each dress had its own character—lively and full of spirit." The bride loved the dresses so much she decided to carry the entire collection (plus a few other designers and items like accessories and gifts) at her shop.

8 of 19

9 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Topped Off

alexis zach wedding italy crowns
Credit: Kyle John Photography

The bride and her bridal party wore hand-crafted head crowns.

9 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

One Little Lady

alexis zach wedding italy flower girl
Credit: Kyle John Photography
Adorable Hairstyle Ideas for Your Flower Girls

Even the youngest guest (Alexis's cousin) was fashionably dressed, sporting a floral headband.

10 of 19

11 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Processional

alexis zach wedding italy groom black white
Credit: Kyle John Photography

"When I saw Lex walk down the aisle I was filled with excitement and indescribably emotion," Zach recalls. "The chapel was the absolute perfect setting for us, and seeing her walk through the stone archway at its entrance, with the light beaming in behind her was angelic. Once reality set in it was just excitement as I couldn't wait for her to be standing by my side for the ceremony!"

She had entered on the arm of her father, to the sound of "Moon River," as played by musician Brian Newman on the trumpet. The song was composed in the bride's hometown and was one of her grandfather's favorite songs. So it nodded to her roots and honored the memory of her beloved grandpa.

11 of 19

12 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ceremony

alexis zach wedding italy ceremony black white
Credit: Kyle John Photography

The Catholic ceremony included two readings (Song of Solomon 8:6 and St. Paul to the Corinthians 12:31-13:8), the couple exchanged traditional vows, and the bride's cousin sang and acapella rendition of "The Prayer" in Italian. As the service concluded, Brian Newman took to his trumpet again, this time to perform "La Vie en Rose."

"Kneeling at the altar in front of all our close friends and family, just before we said our vows to one another, was such a quiet and special moment together before the celebrations began," Zach recalls.

After the couple became husband and wife, they gathered with their guests at The Abbey of San Galgano (an old, roofless church) for some photos before heading to the reception.

12 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Love Some Bunny

alexis zach wedding italy place card
Credit: Kyle John Photography
13 Alternatives to Traditional Paper Place Cards

Lex discovered these bunny door stops shortly before the wedding and fell in love. So in love that she decided to stock them in her store and tell her mom about them. Her mother then surprised her by using them in lieu of place cards at the reception, even adding black bow ties to the hares for the male guests. At the end of the night, guests took them home as a memento.

13 of 19

14 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Reception

alexis zach wedding italy reception
Credit: Kyle John Photography

The five-course dinner by the Michelin-starred chef of the hotel included wine pairings chosen by the bride's parents on a previous visit to the venue. A spelt salad with poppy seeds kicked off the meal, followed by sea bass agnolotti with cuttlefish ink and lemon; sea bass gratin with black olives and wild herbs; veal in red wine sauce with potatoes and black truffles; and the dessert course.

During the reception, guests passed around a beautiful notebook Lex brought from London, writing sweet notes to the couple inside.

14 of 19

15 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Table for Two

alexis zach wedding italy sweet heart table
Credit: Kyle John Photography
28 Ideas for Sitting Pretty at Your Head Table

The couple's sweetheart table was in the middle of the reception, with farm tables at either side for their siblings. The picturesque landscaping of the lawn provided added décor as the party was kept simple and flower-free. Lush vineyards were visible in the distance.

15 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Wedding Cake

alexis zach wedding italy cake
Credit: Kyle John Photography

Fresh berries decorated the simple two-tier lemon wedding cake, which was served with the chef's housemade pistachio gelato.

16 of 19

17 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Sounds of a Celebration

alexis zach wedding italy music
Credit: Kyle John Photography

The Brian Newman Band played jazz standards by Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday as well as some of their originals, including "Take Me Back to Brooklyn," during the reception.

17 of 19

18 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Changing it Up

alexis zach wedding italy first dance black white
Credit: Kyle John Photography

Lex swapped into this effortless and expressive Maria Korovilas "Georgia" gown for the reception. The ruffles added movement to the bride's look, particularly as she and Zach took to the dance floor when her cousin surprised the duo by singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

18 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

alexis zach wedding italy bridal party
Credit: Kyle John Photography

Photography, Kyle John Photography

Locations, Montesiepi Chapel, 39-0577-756700; Abbey of San Galgano, 39-0577-756700

Reception location, Catering, Cake, and Bride's makeup, Borgo Santo Pietro

Stationery and Calligraphy, Written Word Calligraphy

Music, The Brian Newman Band

Bride's and bridesmaids' dresses, Maria Korovilas from Lex & Lynne Bridal

Bride's accessories, Lex & Lynne Bridal jewelry and head crown; Stuart Weitzman shoes

Bridesmaids' head crowns, Lex & Lynne Bridal

19 of 19

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Shira Savada

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • Prince William Didn't Watch Kate Middleton Walk Down the Aisle at Their Wedding—Here's Why He Missed This Moment
    • These Brides Brought Their Romantic, Secret Garden-Themed Wedding to Life at an Art Museum
    • 5 Ways You're Jeopardizing Your Relationship With Your Daughter- or Son-In-Law—and Your Child
    • In Addition to Duke and Duchess, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Hold Other Royal Titles for Life
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 19 Alexis and Zach
    2 of 19 The Stationery
    3 of 19 The Venue
    4 of 19 Say Cheese
    5 of 19 Handmade with Love
    6 of 19 The Attire
    7 of 19 Delicate Details
    8 of 19 The Bridal Party
    9 of 19 Topped Off
    10 of 19 One Little Lady
    11 of 19 The Processional
    12 of 19 The Ceremony
    13 of 19 Love Some Bunny
    14 of 19 The Reception
    15 of 19 A Table for Two
    16 of 19 The Wedding Cake
    17 of 19 The Sounds of a Celebration
    18 of 19 Changing it Up
    19 of 19 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

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

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 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 Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    A Super Fashionable Destination Wedding in Italy
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.