Some weddings leave the most delicious aftertaste, and such was the case with Lena and Chappuis’ wedding. Set amidst rolling hills of the sun-soaked Tuscan countryside, this was truly a dream come true.
When we first met Lena, we knew straight away that this was going to be a special wedding. She wanted something unconventional and stunning, but classy at the same time. With both bride and groom growing up between Thailand and Europe, and travel being a part of their lifestyle, she loved the idea of an Italian-style wedding, and we considered hosting the event at the heart of Khao Yai valley for a while. However, the jet setter that she is, the bride simply could not resist the allure of actually getting married in Italy — so our hunt for the perfect venue overseas began.
They wanted a fairy tale, and we found a perfect castle for them: Villa La Ferdinanda at Tenuta Artimino. Constructed in the late 16th century for the famous Medici family, the villa is somewhat of a celebrity among all the historic venues in the area. With views across the whole valley and its prime location on top of the hill, it offered us a perfect opportunity to create a magical setting.
With the help of London-based Xenia Motif creative studio, we set to develop the creative vision for the event. In close collaboration with Lena, Xenia, and our team, the image of a white and green summertime garden was born. The ceremony was destined to take place in the olive grove at the estate.
With views as gorgeous as they are, we opted for the simple but impactful curved walkway look and skipped the altar arch altogether. This allowed us to create a natural-looking atmosphere, and distill the essence of the Tuscan landscape in the design. Using foraged materials along with classy garden roses Copihue Floral Studio from Rome impeccably executed the vision.
Our bride Lena was the star of the day, wearing a custom-made gown by Bangkok-based atelier POEM. “I was looking for something timeless and classic but still Sean and I got my vision right away, we did one sketch and one fitting and it turned out perfect! The high slit is definitely me”, — says Lena. Taking the best of classic silhouette but adding a modern wow-effect to it, Lena stayed true to her personal style.
With the majestic front garden of the villa overlooking Tuscan hills, we had no doubt about the location for the reception dinner. Extra celebratory touch was added by 6 free-standing crystal chandeliers provided by the Alma Project team. With 3 long tables stretching along the line of the garden border, the view from the villa stairs was absolutely breathtaking. Each table was decorated with trailing greenery, as well as eco-friendly no-foam flower arrangements and tall tapper candles, adding extra romantic touches.
As the sun was going down, the whole scene was immersed in a liquid gold light, which lasted for a good few hours. Tuscany is a truly magical land, and we feel blessed to be able to create special weddings like this one in this beautiful region. After the first dance action straight from a movie scene, guests and the happy couple moved for a private afterparty in the villa wine cellars, and that was as exclusive of the ending to the fabulous day as it should be.
This wedding is also very special for The Wedding Bliss team, marking our first official overseas destination wedding in Europe. It has also marked our very special reunion, as the original team from back when the company was still a little baby in 2014 came together to work on this special event. Our founders Nanya and Jess, along with the irreplaceable Operations manager Yok flew all the way from Thailand, while Lookmai joined from France and Xenia made her way from London. Having each other side by side really meant a lot, and we felt absolutely sure that the wedding was going to go as smoothly as ever.
See the full gallery of this beautiful wedding here.
Thanks to all our wonderful collaborators and vendors, from Thailand to London and France to Florence, thank you, and we’ll see you again soon!
Wedding Planning & Design: @theweddingblissthailand
Décor Design: @xeniamotif
Venue: @artimino
Photography: @vlasta.weddings
Cinematography: @prinoapirat
Special Thanks: @tuscanyfor_weddings
Floral: @copihue_floral_studio
Catering / Bar/ Cake / Furniture: @galateoricevimenti
Light & Sound / Productions / Entertainment: @almaproject247
DJ: @djaik
Wedding Celebrant: @weddingcelebrantsitaly
Gowns & Accessories
Bridal Ceremony Gown: @poem_official, @poemcouture
Bridal Reception Gown: @stolen.stores
Bridal After Party Gown: @stolen.stores
Bridal Shoes (Ceremony): @jimmychoo
Bridal Shoes (Reception): @machandmach
Veil: @poem_official, @poemcouture
Groom’s Attire: @gulatibespoke
Groom’s shoes: @louboutinworld
Bridal Makeup: By the bride
Bridal Hair: FB: https://m.facebook.com/theluxurythemall
Bridesmaids Dresses: @mixedgals
Engagement Ring: @tiffanyandco
Wedding Bands (Groom): @jacobmiiori
