A wedding at Villa Gamberaia in Tuscany is the embodiment of the Italian dream. A historic villa overlooking Florence hosted the destination wedding of Natalie and Jake, an American couple who chose to celebrate their love with friends and family in a breathtaking setting, amidst Italian gardens, refined details, and magical lighting even when the weather seemed uncooperative.
Two days of celebration: pizza party at sunset
The wedding was conceived as a true Italian experience, with two days of celebrations. The evening before the wedding, Villa Gamberaia hosted an outdoor pizza party to welcome guests in an informal and convivial atmosphere. Rain suddenly arrived during the aperitif, forcing everyone to seek shelter, but the magic continued. The sky opened at sunset, casting golden hues that bathed the villa and the view of Florence in a warm and unforgettable light. It was a moment straight out of a movie.
The wedding day: everything outdoors despite the rain
The wedding day at Villa Gamberaia in Tuscany began with the constant threat of rain. The couple kept glancing at the dark, cloud-filled sky. There were many doubts and uncertainties, accompanied by a light morning drizzle that didn't help. But the determination and professionalism of the staff, especially Chechic Wedding Planner, was crucial in convincing the couple to move forward with Plan A. And it was the right choice.
The ritual area at Villa Gamberaia is an open-air stone theater, structured on multiple levels and perfectly symmetrical. The long, straight central grass path guides the gaze and the steps of guests toward the end, creating a solemn and highly dramatic perspective. On the sides, the neat rows of seats follow the rhythm of the architecture, framed by low stone walls, lateral staircases, and balustrades decorated with busts and classical sculptures. The focal point of the ritual is the niche with a fountain, set into the bare stone wall. Here, the material texture of the rock, the decorative mosaics, and the central basin create an intimate yet monumental atmosphere.
After the ceremony, guests moved to the terrace overlooking Florence and a golden sunset for an aperitif. The reception area at Villa Gamberaia unfolds within the celebrated Italian gardens, an open space combining geometric rigor, historical elegance, and a strong scenographic component. The reception takes place on a large, perfectly manicured lawn, framed by sculpted hedges, centuries-old trees, and the historic villa, which dominates the scene with its understated yet noble architecture. As evening falls, the atmosphere becomes even more evocative thanks to the warm lights that envelop the villa's façade and gardens, creating a perfect balance between intimacy and monumentality.
The imperial table is the true centerpiece of the dinner: long, imposing, and perfectly aligned with the garden's axis, it welcomes guests to a single, convivial table. The table's structure is punctuated by a lightweight pergola covered in draped fabrics in shades of terracotta, ivory, and powder blue, colors that harmoniously interact with the surrounding greenery and the Tuscan sky at sunset. Suspended above the table, large crystal chandeliers create a striking and refined scenic effect. Their warm light reflects off the white tablecloths and gold details, transforming the dinner into an almost theatrical experience, elegant yet never overbearing.
The table setting is meticulously crafted: slender candlesticks, flowers arranged harmoniously along the table, and larger arrangements at the ends, with a color palette alternating between delicate blues, powdery tones, ochre accents, and natural shades. The centerpieces, set in classic bowls, recall the villa's timeless style and complement the light, elegant, and airy seating.
The weather held, allowing the dinner and speeches to take place entirely outdoors, under the stars. It was a vibrant night of toasts and music, culminating in a wild party in the villa's indoor dining room.
Photographer: Federica Ariemma e Matteo Lomonte // Videomaker: Sara Canducci // Wedding Planning & Styling: Chechic!Weddings // Venue: Villa Gamberaia // Flowers: Flowersliving // Make-up artist: Silvia Gerzeli // Catering: Guido Lenci // Graphic: Bee in Love // Audio and Lights: Namida Elegant Events
