Jessica & Dan's Foodie Livernano Estate Wedding in Tuscany
The "when in Rome" spirit made an impression on groom Dan. While he and Jessica jetted off to Italy to celebrate her graduating, he decided to pop the question.
The proposal in Tuscany
"We had been dating for seven years and were in Tuscany for a fortnight of food and wine in the sun," explains Jessica. The groom proposed over breakfast, accompanying those four magic words with stunning views over the vineyards, exquisite espresso and a diamond ring.
Inspired by their holiday, the couple set their hearts on a wedding in Tuscany.
A secluded setting
"We visited the estate for dinner and fell in love while on holiday. It is hidden away miles from the town along a dirt track that winds among vines. At the end, the estate is a small restored medieval hamlet on the crest of a hill." Livernano Estate was the perfect location for the couple.
Aisle attire
Every bit the contemporary bride, Jessica opted for a stylish ensemble of separates. "I chose pieces from Charlie Brear and Halfpenny London, styled by Victoria at Cicily Bridal." Appliqué blooms made the dress utterly dreamy. Jimmy Choo heels and a bespoke Britten veil added the finishing touches.
Groom Dan looked dapper in a Bertoni suit, Charles Tyrwhitt shirt and Mr Bow Tie accessories. "Dan's forest green trousers tied in with the colour scheme and landscape," adds the bride. Continuing the emerald scheme, the bridesmaids wore multi-way gowns by Victoria Lou Bridal.
A bespoke ceremony
Jessica and Dan jumped at the chance to make the moment they said "I do" their own. "We loved creating a personalised ceremony. We included a toast using local dessert wine and both our sisters gave readings. The extract from Winnie the Pooh had us in tears — it was a lovely family occasion."
Vineyard romance
Inspired by the location, the couple created a stylish colour scheme that majored on accents of green, white and gold. "We wanted to complement the surroundings and enhance the beauty of the buildings. The festoon lights certainly did that. Gifting each guest a tiny bottle of olive oil from the vineyard seemed the perfect choice."
A true family affair, the couple sought out wedding photos from family members dating back an incredible 100 years. "We displayed them in gold frames at our wedding. With the help of my bridesmaids, we also dried petals from our English gardens for a year ahead of the wedding." Vanessa Kirkam Designs created and painted the charming signs.
Peonies and herbs
When asked to define the style of her wedding flowers, Jessica had just two words: "big and wild". "We wanted a simple palette of white and green using exclusively local and seasonal blooms." Sprigs of rosemary and olive formed the foliage, enhanced by fairy-tale white peonies. Tall ceremony arrangements set the scene for the flowing foliage table runners at the reception.
A four-course feast
Livernano Estate also gave the couple access to in-house wine and catering. "We had canapés of cured meats, salad and a huge crumbling tower of pecorino cheese paired with Livernano prosecco after the ceremony."
The main event was a four-course celebration of Italian flavours. "We started with pecorino soufflé, followed by pistachio and black cabbage gnocchi. Next, we chose roast cockerel and vegetables. The food was paired with wine from the vineyard." Italian mille-feuille topped with personalised cake toppers created a moreish send-off. "The candid shots of everyone laughing at dinner are some of our favourite wedding photos."
Let's dance
The Old Florence Dixie Band provided live music and a magical atmosphere during garden games and the early evening, before the dance floor took over and dancing into the early hours ensued.
The most unique entertainment of all had a different theme: "We invited guests to smash a giant grape piñata that was filled with glow sticks and sweets to fuel the party."
Working with Beziique
"We spent a long time looking for a photographer that would give us the images we dreamed of. We wanted romantic photos that reflected the fun of our day. Nick and Aimie at Beziique made us laugh and they knew just what to do and when. We did not miss out on time celebrating because we were taking pictures. Instead, we have a beautiful collection of the best moments of our day, as well as some great posed photos. We love the sunset shots."
