A Cinematic Wedding in the Tuscan Hills

Undulating hills and a palette of soft whites and greens set the tone for Valentina and Patrick’s wedding in the heart of Tuscany. The couple exchanged vows beneath an arch spilling with roses and hydrangeas, their ceremony framed by a 250-meter aisle that wove through the countryside — transforming a simple walk into a cinematic prelude.

For the reception, a serpentine dinner table stretched beneath a canopy of fairy lights, adorned with ethereal blooms and illuminated by scattered candlelight. 

With every detail — from hand-illustrated stationery to personal notes at each seat — carefully chosen, the celebration was a seamless intersection of tradition, romance, and timeless Tuscan elegance.

The bride wore a Milla Nova gown with Amina Muaddi heels.

Our Story

Names / Valentina Clara Schefer & Patrick Schefer

Location / Siena, Italy

Wedding Date / September 7th, 2024

Guest Numbers / 80

How We Met

On the first evening after the pandemic lockdown, when restaurants finally reopened, Valentina, our friends, and I went out for dinner in the city. Later that night, Patrick and his friends happened to walk past the same restaurant and decided to go in for a drink. By coincidence, their spot at the bar was right next to our table. One of Patrick’s friends started chatting with one of my friends, and somehow, Patrick got pulled into the conversation. That was the moment when everything began.

Our Engagement Story

I, Patrick, surprised Valentina with an Easter getaway to Lake Como, where I planned the proposal on a boat. As we cruised across the stunning waters of Lake Como, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me.

What we love most about each other…

Valentina: What I love most about Patrick is how he makes me feel completely safe, loved, and cherished every day. He has this rare mix of kindness, patience, and strength that makes me feel like everything will be okay as long as he’s by my side. He’s incredibly thoughtful, always noticing the little things and going out of his way to show love. But what I adore most is his big heart — the way he puts others before himself and deeply cares for those around him. He’s my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the person who makes my world brighter every day.

Patrick: What I love most about Valentina is her warmth, kindness, and the way she lights up every room she enters. From the moment we met, I was drawn to her energy and how she makes people feel seen and valued. She has the biggest heart — always caring for others and making sure her loved ones are happy. She inspires me to be my best self, challenges me, and brings joy to even the simplest moments. Every day with her feels like a gift, and I’m so grateful to be spending my life with her.

The Setting

Wedding Location

We had always dreamed of getting married in the stunning Tuscan countryside, and we found the perfect venue that truly brought our vision to life. The location was everything we imagined — a beautiful house with traditional Italian charm, yet with a modern touch that made it feel both timeless and contemporary. It was the ideal place for our families to gather, surrounded by breathtaking views. The ceremony itself took place outdoors, with a scenic path leading from the house, about 250 meters long, creating the most romantic and memorable walk to our special moment.

Aesthetic

Our wedding was a perfect blend of timeless elegance and natural beauty, inspired by the rustic charm of Tuscany and a soft, romantic color palette. We wanted to create a warm, intimate atmosphere, so we embraced the beauty of the surrounding landscape, incorporating earthy tones and natural textures throughout. The rustic elements of the venue, with its old-world Italian architecture, were complemented by modern touches — think delicate florals, candlelight, and a refined yet relaxed style. Our inspiration came from the idea of celebrating love in a setting that felt both intimate and grand, capturing the essence of Tuscany’s beauty while making our guests feel like they were part of a personal and unforgettable experience.

Preparation

I, Valentina, got ready with my mother and my maid of honor in the suite of the house. The atmosphere was filled with love, laughter, and excitement for the beginning of a beautiful journey. Surrounded by the warmth of my closest loved ones, each moment felt like a perfect prelude to the day ahead, filled with anticipation and joy.

Photography

We had the pleasure of working with Sabrina Licata, an absolutely talented photographer! What we loved most was how she captured the essence of our day — those quiet smiles, the laughter, the raw emotions, and the beautiful little details that we’ll treasure forever. She managed to tell the story of our wedding day through her lens in a way that felt authentic and timeless. Sabrina’s ability to make each moment come alive in such a natural yet captivating way was incredible, and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to relive those precious memories.

Videography

Our friends recommended Tommy Koch and his team, and we are beyond grateful they did. His ability to capture the raw emotions of our day — blending stunning cinematic shots with intimate, heartfelt moments — completely exceeded our expectations. Tommy and his team told the story of our wedding day in such a beautiful and authentic way, preserving every smile and every precious detail. We are truly thankful for how they captured these unforgettable memories, and every time we watch the video, we feel as if we’re reliving those magical moments all over again. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to treasure this special day forever.

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

The décor at the ceremony was inspired by the natural beauty of Tuscany, with a focus on simplicity and elegance. We wanted the surroundings to shine, so we kept the styling soft and complementary to the stunning outdoor setting. Soft, neutral florals were delicately arranged along the aisle and in beautiful installations throughout the ceremony space.

A large floral arch — bursting with white roses, hydrangeas, and baby’s breath — framed the altar, creating a breathtaking focal point. White wooden chairs added a rustic touch, while a soft white carpet lined the path to the ceremony, guiding guests toward the arch. The overall vibe was natural, intimate, and timeless, with every detail carefully chosen to enhance the beauty of the location and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Reception Décor

We had always dreamed of hosting a long, Italian-inspired dinner with our loved ones, so we chose a stunning S-shaped table, beautifully adorned with soft florals and lush greenery, creating a flowing, natural design. Overhead, fairy lights were suspended, casting a warm, inviting glow. Drawing inspiration from the timeless beauty of Tuscany, the design blended elegance with nature, crafting a magical and intimate atmosphere for our guests.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

Blanc Weddings assisted us with the planning and organization of our wedding, ensuring everything ran smoothly. They helped coordinate every detail and brought in the vendors we needed to bring our vision to life. From florists to catering, the vendors they selected aligned perfectly with our style and preferences, making the process seamless and stress-free.

Flowers

Our choice of florals was inspired by the natural beauty of Tuscany, with soft, romantic tones that complemented the rustic elegance of our venue. We wanted the flowers to feel timeless, elegant, and sophisticated. For the bridal bouquet, I chose white roses for a classic and refined touch. My maid of honor carried a smaller version of the bouquet. For the ceremony and reception, large floral installations of white roses and hydrangeas framed the altar, while smaller arrangements in the same soft tones were placed on tables and throughout the venue, creating a fresh, romantic atmosphere. The overall floral theme was soft, natural, and elegant — perfectly complementing the surroundings and enhancing the cohesive, beautiful ambiance.

Stationery

For our stationery, we wanted something that reflected the timeless elegance and natural beauty of our wedding. Our save-the-dates were sent digitally, directing guests to our wedding website for all the essential details. The invitations featured a beautiful hand-painted illustration of the venue, printed on textured paper for a luxurious yet organic feel, and were mailed to our guests.

We added a personal touch with a painted VP monogram, which was carried throughout the design. Other stationery items — such as the welcome sign, place cards, and menus — were also designed with the same monogram and overall theme in mind, tying everything together beautifully. Every piece was thoughtfully crafted to enhance the aesthetic and add a personal, elegant touch to our celebration.

Cake

We had a stunning five-tier cake that was both a visual centerpiece and a delicious treat. The cake featured layers of rich chocolate, complemented by raspberry jam and fresh raspberries. Each tier was elegantly decorated with soft florals to match the wedding’s overall aesthetic, adding a touch of elegance and natural beauty. The design was simple yet sophisticated, with a clean, modern finish that suited our rustic, romantic theme perfectly. It was the ideal blend of style and flavor — and every bite was absolutely delicious!

Food & Beverages

We had a seated dinner featuring an authentic Italian menu, which felt like the perfect way to celebrate our love for Italy and its rich culinary traditions. The menu included a selection of classic Italian dishes — from fresh antipasti to handmade pasta and tender meats — all prepared with the finest local ingredients. Each course was paired with exquisite wines that complemented the flavors beautifully, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience. Guests also enjoyed a variety of refreshing cocktails, Bellinis, and Franciacorta from the venue before dinner and throughout the evening, contributing to the relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

My wedding dress was an A-shaped gown by Milla Nova, featuring elegant lines and a romantic silhouette that perfectly suited the setting. I paired it with stunning Amina Muaddi heels.

Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

For our wedding rings, Patrick chose a simple and classic gold wedding band, which perfectly reflects his style. I have a silver wedding band, which complements my engagement ring beautifully. My engagement ring features a stunning solitaire diamond, adding an elegant and timeless touch. Besides my engagement ring, I wore beautiful pearl earrings that perfectly matched my dress. I also carried the handbag my mom gave me, which she wore on her wedding day 40 years ago — a treasured piece filled with memories and love.

Hair & Makeup

I wore my hair in an elegant low bun for the ceremony, giving me a refined and classic look. After dinner, I let it down and styled it with some waves for the party, creating a more relaxed and fun vibe. My makeup was elegant and romantic, with neutral tones that enhanced my natural features. The overall look was timeless and sophisticated, with just a touch of glam to perfectly suit the occasion.

The Details

Honeymoon

We purposely planned our honeymoon a few months after the wedding to give ourselves the perfect escape. We’ll be heading to Bora Bora and Hawaii, drawn to their stunning beauty and serene atmosphere. Bora Bora will truly be a dream come true, with its crystal-clear waters, luxurious overwater bungalows, and mesmerizing sunsets. Our days will be spent relaxing on the beach, snorkelling in vibrant coral reefs, and enjoying intimate dinners by the ocean. After Bora Bora, we’ll continue our journey to Hawaii, where we’ll explore lush landscapes, hike to breathtaking waterfalls, and fully immerse ourselves in the unique local culture.

Gift Registry

We chose not to have a traditional gift registry and instead asked our guests for contributions toward our honeymoon. The biggest gift of all was having all our loved ones there to celebrate with us. It meant the world to us that they could join us on such a special day.

Wedding Songs

Entrance of Patrick: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

Entrance of Valentina: Canon in D by Pachelbel

Rings Exchange: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri

After Ceremony: Viva La Vida by Coldplay

Entertainment

For our entertainment, we had a live band during dinner, which created a wonderful atmosphere and set the perfect tone for our evening. After dinner, the energy shifted as we brought in a DJ for the party. The DJ played a mix of upbeat music, from classic hits to modern dance tracks, making sure everyone was on their feet and having a blast. The combination of the live band and DJ kept the vibe vibrant and lively, ensuring it was a night our guests would remember forever.

Celebrant

Our celebrant was a very good friend of Patrick’s, and we chose him because of the special bond they share. He did an absolutely heartfelt and phenomenal job leading our ceremony. His warmth, sincerity, and personal connection to us made the ceremony even more meaningful and emotional. We couldn’t have asked for a better person to help us celebrate this important moment in our lives. His words truly captured the essence of our love and made the day feel even more personal and unforgettable. We are so grateful for everything he did for us!

Readings

We wrote our own vows, which made the ceremony even more personal and meaningful. It was a deeply emotional moment for both of us as we shared our promises and spoke from the heart. Writing our vows allowed us to express our love in a way that felt unique to our relationship. We didn’t include any additional readings, as we felt that our vows were enough to capture the depth of our commitment to each other. It was a moment we’ll always cherish, and we’re so glad we chose to share our personal words with each other and our guests.

“We had always dreamed of hosting a long, Italian-inspired dinner with our loved ones… fairy lights overhead, casting a warm, inviting glow.”

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

A memorable moment from our wedding day happened during dinner when it started to drizzle lightly. We were both a little anxious, fearing the rain might get worse, especially since we had no backup plan. However, despite our worries, everyone kept enjoying their pasta, laughing, and soaking in the atmosphere. It was so comforting to see our guests in such good spirits. Thankfully, the rain never came, and the evening continued smoothly. Also, apparently, there is a saying in Italy that if it rains on your wedding day, it brings luck. So, we took the light rain as a sign of good fortune and a blessing for our marriage. It was a beautiful reminder that even unexpected moments can bring joy and good luck into our lives.

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

If I could do it all again with everything I know now, I would definitely try to worry less and start the wedding planning earlier to have more options for vendors. There were moments when I stressed over every little detail, but in the end, everything came together perfectly. I would focus more on enjoying the process rather than getting caught up in perfection. I might have spent too much time deciding on our decor and stationery, but these little details are what made the day truly unique. And although it’s hard to say now, I would probably reorganize the timeline to ensure we had more time to soak in the moments with our guests. Ultimately, I wouldn’t change much because the day was exactly how I had imagined.

If I could give other couples one piece of advice…

Enjoy the journey, as it goes by so quickly, and stress less about the small things!

Sources of inspiration…

A lot of my inspiration came from browsing Instagram and Pinterest, where I found countless ideas for florals, decor, and styling that matched the rustic yet refined vibe we envisioned. I loved discovering new trends, and many of the beautiful wedding photos I came across helped me visualize how our day would come together.

Our Contacts

Wedding Venue / Podere Il Tesoro

Wedding Stylist & Planner / Blanc Weddings

Photography / Sabrina Licata and Jackie Chick

Videography / Tommy Koch

Bride’s Dress / Milla Nova

Bride’s Shoes / Amina Muaddi

Hair & Makeup / Wedding Hairdresser Amalfi Coast

Florist / Il Giardino delle Fate

Cake / Sugar Cups

Catering / Galateo Ricevimenti

Entertainment / Ali Ginocerino and Goldsingers