Laura Frappa's Blog

July 23, 2025

 

An Intimate Garden Celebration at La Foce: Claudia & Hank's Wedding

An intimate garden celebration at La Foce: Claudia & Hank's Wedding

In the heart of the UNESCO-listed Val d'Orcia, Claudia and Hank's wedding at the iconic La Foce estate felt like pure poetry. It was a heartfelt celebration of love, family, and cultural heritage – woven together with emotion, elegance, and personal touches that perfectly captured the couple's unique love story. This luxury destination wedding in Tuscany was a true reflection of timeless Italian charm.

A morning of joyful anticipation

Claudia and her bridesmaids spent the morning preparing in coordinated blue and white looks. The air was filled with excitement as champagne fizzed in crystal flutes and laughter echoed through the historic Villa. Bridal preparations in Tuscany never felt more joyful.

Claudia was stunning in her lace Monique Lhuillier gown: a Grace Kelly-inspired masterpiece featuring a sophisticated long-sleeved turtleneck silhouette and an ethereal flowing veil. Her carefully chosen accessories told stories of love and legacy: pearl and diamond earrings, a treasured gift from her mother, delicate pieces that caught the Val d'Orcia light, and crystal heels that sparkled with each step.

Meanwhile, Hank prepared with his groomsmen, looking sharp in a Joseph Abboud white dinner jacket paired with a classic black bow tie. Personal details elevated his look: custom embroidered monograms with their wedding date, and a signature fragrance gifted by Claudia, adding a touch of intimacy to his wedding-day style. Groom style inspiration for destination weddings was clearly on display.

A tender moment before the Wedding

Before their guests arrived, Claudia and Hank shared an intimate first look in La Foce's legendary gardens. It was a quiet and emotional moment – a chance to step away from the excitement and soak in the beauty of the setting together. As they held each other close, tears of joy were shared, marking the beginning of their wedding day with a moment that was just their own. A romantic first look in Tuscany that captured their connection in a truly cinematic way.

The Ceremony: timeless beauty in the italian garden

La Foce’s iconic Italian garden set the scene for a deeply emotional ceremony, where the couple’s all-white palette beautifully complemented the setting’s natural elegance. In place of a traditional arch, an antique statue adorned with cascading white blooms became a striking focal point. Clear Chiavari chairs, soft floral arrangements, and hand-held fans for guests created a refined, understated atmosphere.

As Claudia walked down the aisle with her father to a piano rendition of Coldplay’s Fix You, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. The ceremony blended meaningful traditions — from the breaking of the glass honoring Hank’s Jewish roots to a heartfelt Korean bowing ritual that paid tribute to both families. It was a powerful reflection of their love and the cultural ties that shaped them. Cultural fusion weddings in Italy like this offer profound meaning and elegance.

A floral-inspired cocktail hour

Following the ceremony, guests were invited to explore the gardens during an enchanting cocktail hour. Claudia changed into a romantic lavender dress by the same designer, with an elegant off-the-shoulder silhouette, and tucked fresh sprigs of lavender into her hair. Second bridal looks for Italian weddings are becoming an iconic trend.

The mood was light and joyful, with a dreamy palette of lavender, soft pinks, and powder blues creating a garden party ambiance. Signature cocktails, including a theatrical dry-ice Negroni and a refreshing grapefruit spritz, were served alongside carefully curated hors d'oeuvres. Thoughtfully placed lounge areas dressed in pastel linens and adorned with whimsical florals provided intimate spaces for guests to mingle and celebrate. Luxury wedding receptions in Tuscany truly elevate the guest experience.

Cake cutting and bouquet toss

Cake Cutting and Bouquet Toss Before dinner, the couple extended their cocktail festivities to make the most of the golden Italian light in the estate's upper garden. Here, beneath a romantic canopy of flowers and pastel décor, they cut their elegant tiered white wedding cake; a moment of sweet intimacy shared with their loved ones. Golden hour wedding photos in Val d'Orcia captured the magic perfectly.

Claudia carried a custom-designed toss bouquet filled with vibrant purple blooms and textured greenery, adding a playful touch to the elegant celebration. Guests enjoyed personalized illustrations and snapped keepsake photos at a charming photo booth before making their way to dinner. Interactive wedding experiences in Italy like this make the celebration unforgettable.

Dinner in an enchanted garden

As evening fell, the reception transformed the outdoor space into an enchanted forest, softly lit by fairy lights strung between ancient trees. The couple's vision of rich greens and bold florals created an atmosphere that felt both magical and intimately connected to the Italian landscape. Outdoor wedding receptions in Tuscany offer this kind of effortless beauty.

Two L-shaped tables were dressed in sophisticated green toile de jouy linens, complemented by classic bistro chairs, tobacco-leaf chargers, and fine Richard Ginori porcelain. Deep burgundy napkins and custom menus tied with mustard ribbon added rich pops of color, while elaborate centerpieces of greenery, fruit, and colorful blossoms appeared to grow straight from the garden. Italian wedding tablescapes that inspire with every detail.

As soft jazz played in the background, guests welcomed the newlyweds with an enthusiastic wave of napkins; a joyful Italian tradition. Heartfelt toasts from Claudia’s parents, Hank’s father, and his brother brought laughter, tears, and warmth to an already unforgettable evening.

As soft jazz played in the background, guests welcomed the newlyweds with an enthusiastic wave of napkins; a joyful Italian tradition. Heartfelt toasts from Claudia’s parents, Hank’s father, and his brother brought laughter, tears, and warmth to an already unforgettable evening.

A night of music and joy

As night fell, Claudia made her third stunning appearance in a sparkling embroidered tulle midi dress from her chosen designer. The couple shared a second wedding cake: a rustic wild berry tart topped with Chantilly cream that perfectly captured the Italian countryside's seasonal flavors. Late-night wedding desserts inspired by Italy added a sweet twist to the evening.

The after-party moved to the villa's transformed basement, now a vibrant club space complete with disco lights, cold fountain fireworks, and a striking black-and-white dance floor. DJ James Park and a live saxophonist kept the crowd dancing beneath the beautiful vaulted ceilings. Italian villa wedding after-parties offer unforgettable energy and style.

Claudia and Hank opened the floor with a graceful waltz to JVKE’s Golden Hour, followed by a heartwarming father-daughter dance that turned into a hip-hop medley. The night hit its peak when the entire family surprised guests with an exuberant performance of "Gangnam Style": a joyful, unforgettable finale that captured the couple’s joyful energy.

An unforgettable love story in Val d'Orcia

Claudia and Hank's wedding at La Foce was a masterful blend of timeless tradition, sophisticated elegance, and pure joy. From the romantic garden ceremony steeped in cultural heritage to the vibrant after-party that lasted until dawn, each detail reflected their unique personalities and love story.

This was a wedding that honored family traditions, celebrated diverse heritages, and embraced the timeless beauty of the Val d'Orcia landscape, creating precious memories that will be treasured for generations to come. A luxury wedding at La Foce is truly an experience unlike any other.

Ready to Plan Your Own Dream Wedding in Tuscany?
Planning a destination wedding in Italy? Whether you're dreaming of an intimate garden ceremony in Tuscany or a grand celebration that honors your heritage, our team of expert Tuscany wedding planners is here to bring your vision to life. Contact us to start designing your bespoke Italian wedding experience — one that you and your guests will remember forever. .

CREDITS:

Images: Elisabetta Marzetti.

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