While on a trip to Florence with her photographer husband, Michelle, of Michelle Durpetti Events, wanted to create some inspirational wedding content featuring the picturesque city. What started off as an idea in Michelle’s head quickly came to fruition when she recruited the help of her Italian vendor friends who were immediately on board. Check out what Michelle and her team created and how it all came together below:

Q: What was the inspiration for the theme/style of the shoot? How did the location of the shoot influence it?
A: Whenever we work in Italy, and Florence specifically we are influenced and inspired by everything we are surrounded by. The light in the city during the winter is spectacular so we knew we wanted to capture a gorgeous bridal look at some iconic locations like Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Signoria.

We also absolutely love the elegance and old-world glamour of the Lungarno hotel which immensely influenced our ideas and concept.

A friend and colleague, Federico Di Prima of Lilla Florals, is a creative genius. He has this way of taking bold color and infusing it with ethereal design and it gives me goosebumps! For this we were really excited to bring jewel tones into the space within Borgo San Jacopo (the Michelin star restaurant of the Hotel Lungarno), and we knew that interesting texture and movement would also come to life beautifully within the space. Caterina from the hotel, and their entire team, in general, is a dream to work with!

What we were going for with regards to inspiration really comes from what we are seeing our couples ask us for. Our creative partners in Florence are hearing requests for intimate weddings with decadent details just as we are with our own clients. Elements like food and beverage are now as important to the experience as the visual decor elements and there is no better place for all of that to come to life than this venue in this historic city!

Q: Tell us about the reception look. What elements were included and why?
A: This reception inspiration is all about mindful curation. Every element included is both artisan and luxury. Hand calligraphy invitations and place cards from Florence’s oldest paperie.

Floral that grows locally (not only to ease the challenges of supply chain interruption but also for authenticity), and a combination of vegetation, fruit and floral brings a real sense of Tuscan elegance to the table in such a timeless way. Intentionally seamless. Mindfully elegant. Effortlessly authentic. These are hallmarks of Renaissance style alongside clean lines and repeating patterns, which the gorgeous hotel and restaurant space gave us while the decor provided the rest.

When you pair that with local artisans like Goccia Shoes (who create handmade Florentine shoes including our bride’s look) and Noi Firenze (a leather boutique in Florence who designed and created the handbag) and then add in an incredible designer like Peter Langner – it all starts to become a total dream shoot!

Q: How did the team of vendors work together?
A: Everyone collaborated beautifully. It was very much a symphony of ideas and teamwork. Our model Ginevra and our photographer Collin Pierson had instant work chemistry that made for some truly gorgeous photos.

Our hair and makeup team from Urban Beauty came on board immediately and had so many ideas. The enthusiasm and support for one another between vendor partners is really a next-level experience in Florence. It is one of so many reasons why I love working there.

Q: What was your favorite part of the shoot and why?
A: Florence is immensely personal for me. I find myself here. It is where I recharge and renew my focus and passions in my life. Where I celebrate some of my most beloved family and friends. I grew up spending summers in Italy (with family both in Florence & Lucca). I made my holy communion there. I attended summer school during high school and ultimately university there. It is truly my second home (if not my first!). Now as a wedding planner who is fortunate enough to work in so many spectacular destinations, adding “wedding planner” and “photo shoot director” to my list of experiences in Florence is a dream and such a privilege.

To celebrate this beautiful city that I love and the immense talent that lives and works within it will forever be a passion project of mine. Working in Italy truly embodies “love what you do, and you never work a day in your life!”

Vendors: Photos: Collin Pierson Photography; Planning and Design: Michelle Durpetti Events; Gown: Peter Langner; Hair + Makeup: Urban Beauty & ciro via delle terme; Shoes: Goccia Shoes Firenze; Bag: NOI Firenze; Floral: Lilla Florals; Location: Hotel Lungarno & ristorante borgo san jacopo; Invitations: Il Papiro Firenze; Model: Ginevra Bertolani