Laura Frappa's Blog

November 06, 2025

 

Alison and Julius: Timeless wedding at Villa Gamberaia, Florence

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Alison and Julius’s celebration was refined and elegant, an unforgettable interpretation of a Tuscan wedding that perfectly blended style, romance, and tradition. From a chic welcome dinner in the heart of Florence to a breathtaking celebration at Villa Gamberaia in Settignano, every moment was thoughtfully designed and orchestrated by our wedding planners to reflect the couple’s love for Italian beauty and sophistication.

An Elegant Welcome Dinner in Florence

To greet their guests, Alison and Julius chose the renowned Cantinetta Antinori, a hidden gem located in the center of Florence. As guests arrived, they were welcomed with a glass of fine Antinori wine and a selection of traditional Tuscan crostini, the perfect start to an evening of smiles and toasts within the historic courtyard.
Dinner was served at candlelit tables, set against the elegant stone walls of the palazzo. The three-course menu was a celebration of Italian flavors: ravioli filled with burrata in a cherry tomato and basil sauce, sliced beef with seasonal vegetables, and a comforting warm pear cake with mascarpone cream to finish.
Soft candlelight, the rich history of the venue, and delicate floral arrangements, single stem vases featuring white and blush anthuriums, created an atmosphere of simple, timeless elegance. The evening’s soundtrack was refined jazz, the groom’s favorite genre, which perfectly complemented the setting. This refined evening perfectly set the stage for Julius and Alison’s Tuscan wedding celebrations.

Bride Getting Ready at Villa Gamberaia

The following day, preparations for the big celebration began early. Julius got ready in a luxury apartment in Florence, while Alison, accompanied by her mother, sister, and close friend, prepared at the villa itself. The bride and groom-to-be spent the morning laughing, raising toasts, and enjoying tender moments with their loved ones: the calm before the most emotional part of their Italian wedding.

A Ceremony to Remember

Guests arrived to a refreshing welcome of flavored water and lemonade before taking their seats in the villa’s Nettuno garden, where white flowers and elegant décor framed the ceremony space. The color palette was classic and pure, all white, matching the bride’s timeless beauty. Julius made his entrance accompanied by his sons and groomsmen, followed by the bridal party and, finally, Alison, gracefully walking down the aisle on her father’s arm. The ceremony, beautifully officiated, was heartfelt and emotional, ending with the long-awaited kiss that sealed their vows.

Cocktail with a View

After the ceremony, guests moved to the villa’s panoramic terrace, where a bossa nova quartet filled the air with smooth rhythms while servers passed trays of elegant canapés. From this elevated terrace, guests could see Florence from a new perspective, enjoying a breathtaking view of the city: one of the most romantic moments of this wedding in Tuscany.

Dinner Under the Stars

After the cocktail, guests made their way through the curated Italian garden to the bowling green, where a long imperial table awaited under the open sky. At the far end of the table, a stage hosted a live jazz band, setting a sophisticated tone for the evening. The newlyweds made their grand entrance, introduced by the bride’s brother, and were warmly greeted with applause. From the center of the table, they offered a heartfelt welcome speech to their guests, followed by touching toasts from the groom’s eldest son and the bride’s father. Dinner featured three exquisite courses celebrating Tuscan cuisine: a truffle salad, a risotto with porcini mushrooms from San Miniato, and a tender beef fillet. After dinner, the maid of honor and the bride’s brother offered final toasts before inviting everyone indoors for the cake cutting and after party.

Night of Festivities

Inside the villa’s cloister, a stunning Robbiano wedding cake awaited. The couple cut the cake to the romantic notes of “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra and toasted with a flute of Champagne. The cutting of the cake was followed by the formal dances: a beautiful first dance to “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love” by The Spinners, and an emotional father daughter dance to “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Then, “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson opened the dance floor, and guests danced the night away. The after party continued until 1 a.m., with cocktails and a carefully selected playlist. The evening ended perfectly to “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne, a joyful and fitting finale to a truly magical day.

Alison and Julius’s events were a true representation of refinement and elegance; a classic, timeless Tuscan wedding that beautifully reflected their love and happiness. If you too dream of discovering the historical charm of Florence and celebrating in the timeless beauty of Tuscany, contact our wedding planners and start designing your unforgettable Italian wedding.

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