A Poetic Spring Wedding at Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte

Once a Medici retreat, Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte’s frescoed interiors and rambling grounds offered a storied canvas for the wedding of Emanette and Alejandro.

Amidst the undulating hills of Florence, they exchanged vows in the garden surrounded by wild, painterly florals — deep reds, muted pinks, and unruly greenery echoing the landscape’s natural rhythm.

For the reception, two long tables were set with candlelight and architectural branches, allowing the frescoes to remain the evening’s focal point. A millefeuille cake layered with raspberries was cut in the garden under fireworks, a joyful punctuation mark on the night.

The bride wore a customized Anne Barge dress with Manolo Blahnik heels.

Our Story

Names / Emanette Peniche & Alejandro Calderón

Location / Florence, Italy

Wedding Date / May 25th, 2025

Guest Numbers / 135

How We Met

We met nearly ten years ago while working at Uber (corporate). It definitely wasn’t love at first sight — it was a slow burn. I, Emanette, was actually on his interview panel and gave the only thumbs down. I didn’t think he showed enough enthusiasm about joining. At the time, Uber was a fast-growing startup, and we were all deeply invested — late nights and weekends were just part of the culture. I thought he needed to prove himself, and I kept my distance for a while.

More than two years later, after watching him quietly rise to every challenge, we started to warm up to each other. We became friendly, then friends, and eventually found ourselves making excuses to spend more time together. That’s when everything shifted. When we realized we couldn’t get enough of each other, we decided to give dating a chance.

Our Engagement Story

He planned a surprise trip to Banff, Canada, for my birthday and secretly hired a photographer to capture the proposal. He got down on one knee in the middle of frozen Lake Louise, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and not another person in sight. It was quiet, stunning, and unforgettable. I might be biased, but I think the photos are the most breathtaking proposal shots I’ve ever seen.

What we love most about each other…

We both, separately, said that what we love most is how fully we can be ourselves with each other — and how we make each other feel.

Alejandro: I love her huge heart and how deeply she cares for the people around her. She doesn’t think twice about giving her time and energy to help others. I admire her strength — how she faces challenges head-on and always finds a way forward. She brings joy into my life and provides a sense of balance and calm. She makes me better.

Emanette: I love his pure heart and genuine intentions. He has a natural ease with people and a way of connecting with anyone through sincere curiosity and kindness. He’s thoughtful, always learning, incredibly caring, and quietly disciplined. And when I least expect it, he’ll surprise me with something delightful. I just can’t get enough of him.

The Setting

Wedding Location

We got married at Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte, a historic villa nestled in the hills just outside Florence. Originally built by the Medici family in the 15th century, it was designed for grand celebrations and gatherings. Its interiors are adorned with frescoes from the 17th and 18th centuries, giving the space a timeless, transportive feel.

Alejandro and I chose Tuscany together after spending time there a few years ago. I had taken a sabbatical and stayed with my extended family near Lucca, where my grandfather is from. Alex came to visit, and we traveled throughout the region. It quickly became a place that felt meaningful to both of us.

We knew we wanted an intimate wedding — something not so common in Mexican culture, where weddings are often large celebrations. We envisioned something more personal, surrounded by the people who have truly been part of our story. And we wanted to create a beautiful, joyful experience for them in a place that felt connected to us.

I actually booked Villa Corsini before we even visited. The stunning grounds, frescoed rooms, and flexibility to host everything indoors if needed made it an easy yes. I loved the idea of a celebration that felt both historic and elegant. We also appreciated how close it was to Florence, rather than deep in the countryside, which made logistics much easier for our 100+ guests, with plenty of nearby hotels and Airbnbs, access to the airport, and, of course, incredible food and sights to explore.

Aesthetic

I wanted the aesthetic to feel romantic, elegant, and a little unexpected, while allowing the villa and the Tuscan surroundings to shine. Every element we chose was meant to feel like a natural extension of the villa’s character — quiet, intentional touches that added atmosphere without drawing too much attention.

We were drawn to textures and tones that complemented the setting: soft, warm lighting, natural materials, and florals that felt a bit wild and untamed. It was important to me that the design reflected the feeling of being in Tuscany — not overly styled or theme-driven, but thoughtful and timeless, with just enough personality to feel like us.

Preparation

After a fun cocktail party the night before, I woke up bright and early, excited to greet my mom, my aunt, and my closest friends to get ready together. I’m so glad my friends were able to join. They’re like sisters to me, and having them there made the morning even more special. We chatted, laughed, and sipped champagne while having our hair and makeup done. It was relaxed and joyful.

Later, my dad came to pick me up, and we shared a very sweet father-daughter first look before the drive to the villa.

Photography

Our photographers were Simona and Angelo from Zonzo Studio. I was drawn to their natural yet elegant style. It felt romantic, with a way of capturing unexpected details in the most thoughtful, impeccable way. Their work feels intimate and timeless, and they brought such a calm, grounded presence to the day.

Videography

We haven’t received our video yet, but we worked with Mirco and Anisa and cannot wait to see what they deliver. We were drawn to their cinematic style — natural yet luminous, with beautiful color and an ability to capture moments as they unfold. Their work feels emotive and artful, and we’re so excited to relive the day through their lens.

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

For the outdoor ceremony, we used organic florals in rich reds, soft pinks, and lush greens. They struck the balance I was looking for: romantic and refined, complementing the Tuscan backdrop.

Reception Décor

For the dinner reception, we opted for only greenery and candlelight. The frescoes were so beautiful on their own, and we wanted them to be illuminated and remain the focal point of the evening. We used tall vases filled with branches — similar to what you’d find just outside the villa — which brought a subtle touch of the outdoors in. I loved how these tall, architectural arrangements stood out against the simplicity of our two long rectangular tables, adding dimension without overpowering the space.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

I had a clear vision from the beginning, including the color palette, arrangement styles, calligraphy, and the Ginori plates. I also knew I wanted classic disco balls above the dance floor to make the room feel like a true party. We complemented that with lighting designed to softly illuminate the villa’s paintings and historic décor, allowing the space to truly shine.

I worked closely with incredible vendors to bring it all to life, including our florist Marta from Flowersliving and our wonderful planner Stefania from Weddings International, who executed everything seamlessly.

Flowers

The floral palette was inspired by Italian romance and the Tuscan landscape: reds, burgundies, soft pinks, and mostly greens, arranged in an organic, natural way. For my bouquet, I chose a small and structured arrangement of white ranunculus. I had always envisioned something simple, elegant, and timeless.

Stationery

We kept our invitations and save-the-dates digital. While I love keepsakes, I’ve never liked the idea of wasted paper and didn’t think they’d add much value for our guests. Instead, we shared information via text, our wedding website, and an Instagram page we created for the weekend.

For the day-of, we had signage, menus, and individual name cards handwritten in traditional cursive by an Italian calligrapher in Tuscany.

Favors

We worked with the incredible artist Sheean from Studio Sheean, who created small painted portraits for our guests on custom paper featuring our initials and wedding date. I wanted our guests to leave with something personal — something that would bring them joy. Art felt like the perfect gift, especially in a place so steeped in artistic history.

Cake

We had a millefeuille wedding cake layered with fresh raspberries. Light, delicate, and delicious. We cut the cake outdoors in the garden with fireworks in the background, while our guests watched from the villa’s grand dining room windows. It was an unforgettable part of the night.

Food & Beverages

From the moment guests arrived, there was an abundance of food and drink. We started with pre-ceremony refreshments, followed by a cocktail-style aperitivo with passed bites and a large grazing table of Tuscan cheeses, breads, meats, and vegetables — including a man slicing prosciutto by hand. Spritzes flowed freely.

Dinner was a three-course meal featuring two pasta dishes and a filet of beef with a Montepulciano reduction and seasonal vegetables. There were bottles of wine on the tables, champagne, and cocktails passed throughout the evening, including espresso martinis and, of course, plenty of tequila (Alejandro’s favorite). This part was especially important to us. We never wanted our guests to feel hungry or thirsty, and I didn’t want the meal to feel like a typical plated dinner. I wanted it to taste like an incredible night out at a restaurant in Tuscany.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

My dress was by Anne Barge, purchased at Jaxon James in Los Angeles. I had it slightly customized — I wanted the lace to be white-on-white instead of nude-lined, and I had the proportions adjusted to preserve a subtle drop-waist silhouette. My shoes were Manolo Blahnik.

Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

My wedding ring is a cushion-cut solitaire diamond on a gold band, paired with a thin matching gold band. Alejandro chose a classic white gold band. I also wore diamond earrings, a gift from Alejandro before the wedding, along with a diamond bracelet.

Hair & Makeup

I’ve always worn a sleek low bun with a middle part for formal events, so I stayed with a style I know and love. For both hair and makeup, I worked with a kind and talented artist, Kristina, who kept the overall look natural and added a soft smoky eye to make my eyes stand out.

“The frescoed ceilings, candlelit tables, and wild Tuscan florals made it feel like we were celebrating inside a painting.”

The Details

Transport

My dad picked me up in a classic black Maserati with a driver — a smooth, quiet ride, just the two of us. Alejandro and I left the wedding at 3:00 a.m., still so energized that we brought a few friends who were still partying with us and ended the night with an unplanned after-party at our place. To be honest, I didn’t last long before crashing on the sofa.

Honeymoon

We wanted to stay in Italy but visit places neither of us had been — and swimming was a must. So we chose Sicily and Sardinia, and I truly cannot recommend these destinations enough.

We spent nearly ten days in Sicily, staying in different parts of the island. Highlights included La Foresteria in Menfi, a vineyard and hotel that was the perfect first stop to unwind; Taormina, where we stayed at the historic Timeo Hotel; and San Corrado di Noto, a beautiful area with incredible pools and the best olive oil we had on the trip.

Sardinia was pure magic. Our favorite day was spent on a private boat, just the two of us, swimming in crystal-clear waters in protected coves. Sardinia is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it truly lived up to the hype.

Wedding Songs

We had an incredible string quartet led by Ana Aline Valentim, a renowned violinist based in Florence. My favorite moment was walking down the aisle to Vivo per Lei.

Another highlight was dancing with my dad to a Gipsy Kings medley — music that reminded me of car rides and school drop-offs with him. Alejandro and I had our first dance to a custom mix that started romantically and transitioned into Can’t Get Enough of Your Love by Barry White. As the song ended, we invited everyone to join us on the dance floor.

Entertainment

After the ceremony, a traditional Italian folk band led our guests to the cocktail hour, held in a garden separate from the ceremony space. They played classics like That’s Amore, and our friends joyfully sang along. I highly recommend incorporating a fun, interactive performance to kick things off.

We hired a DJ duo, Black Sax, who provided background music during dinner and surprised guests with spontaneous live performances on saxophone and violin between courses. For dancing, Black Sax blended live sax, percussion, and drums with Ana’s electric violin, performing alongside a playlist we curated — featuring Bad Bunny and other favorites that kept both our Mexican and American guests dancing all night.

Celebrant

We worked with Tuscan Pledges. During the ceremony, we were caught off guard when the celebrant read some of our questionnaire responses verbatim. Our understanding was that our responses would be used for context only, and it felt a little uncomfortable when we realized that wasn’t the case. However, we loved sharing our personal vows with each other, and we’re so glad we did it.

Funny enough, several guests told us afterward that it was the best ceremony they’d ever attended. So while it may have felt awkward to us at times, it ended up being incredibly heartfelt and authentic for everyone else.

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

What felt like a nightmare in the moment ended up being one of the most talked-about stories of the weekend. One of the buses carrying 40 of our guests took a wrong turn and got stuck on a narrow street in a small Tuscan hillside neighborhood. For nearly an hour, guests had to get off the bus while we scrambled to organize alternative transportation.

The local neighbors came out of their homes, and some invited guests in for limoncello. Alex’s grandmother and aunt ended up hitching a ride with a kind Italian man in a tiny car. Alejandro was completely stunned when he saw his grandmother arriving at the villa in a stranger’s car, but she later told us it was one of the most fun adventures she’s ever had — like something out of a movie.

Other locals and even tourists offered guests rides, and a few ended up staying for a drink at the villa as a thank-you. The ceremony was delayed by almost an hour because we didn’t want to begin without everyone there. In the end, though, the light during the ceremony was perfect, and the aperitivo unfolded beautifully during golden hour. While I wish I had those extra minutes with our guests — and I was truly mortified in the moment — it turned into a story they’ll tell for ages. A true Italian adventure.

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

That I needed to personally double-check the bus driver instructions. Just kidding — but truly, we trusted a reputable transportation company, and even so, those small logistical details can make a big difference. I learned that no detail is too small to confirm.

If I could give other couples one piece of advice…

Don’t procrastinate on the little things. I left transcribing my vows into our notebook for the day of the wedding, and it ended up making me feel rushed when I would have preferred to be relaxed and enjoying the moment. I recommend getting all the small details done at least a week in advance.

That said, one task I do think is best left until close to the wedding is the seating arrangement. We had some last-minute cancellations, so I was glad we waited to finalize that.

I’m so glad we hosted a cocktail party the night before and a luncheon the day after — even if some guests were too exhausted to join us the next day. If you’re planning a destination wedding, I really recommend carving out intentional time with your guests. We wish we had been able to spend more time with our families and a few friends we barely saw in the days leading up to the wedding.

Sources of inspiration…

Instagram, Pinterest, and old movies. That said, I tried not to get too caught up in trends or replicate what I loved from other weddings. I followed The Lane throughout the planning process, so being asked to be featured is a special full-circle moment.

Our Contacts

Wedding Venue / Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte

Wedding Stylist & Planner / Weddings International

Photography / Zonzo Studio

Videography / Mirco & Anisa

Bride’s Dress / Anne Barge

Bride’s Shoes / Manolo Blahnik

Hair & Makeup / Kristina Minochenko

Digital Invitations / The Paperie Shop

Florist / Marta Petrioli – Flowersliving

Cake & Catering / Il Sorriso Ricevimenti

Celebrant / Tuscan Pledges

Entertainment / Black Sax, Ana Aline Valentim, Italian Folk Band via Fix the Music

Gift Registry / Zola

Live Wedding Guest Illustrator / Sheean Hanlan – Studio Sheean