After meeting in Italy and falling in love with both the country and each other, Lillian and Vincenzo knew a destination wedding in Abruzzo, Italy was the right choice for them. With gorgeous structures and landscapes, Italy would be picture perfect backdrop for their wedding.

While the majority of Vincenzo’s family is in Italy, Lillian’s family is spread between the United States and the Caribbean. “We figured most of my family would have to travel anyway and we thought it would be very special to have our wedding in a place filled with so much meaning for us,” says Lillian.

Vincenzo’s family was thrilled with the news of Italian nuptials, but Lillian’s family was less enthusiastic than expected. “Some people were intimidated by how far Italy seemed from their home, others were uncomfortable with visiting a place where they didn’t speak the language,” says Lillian. “We tried to ease fears by providing my family with information about the area, helping them make travel arrangements and trying to find ways to reduce costs for them.”

When it came time to select the place to tie the knot, the couple researched venues near Vincenzo’s hometown. Once they arrived to Tenuta di Sipio, they both knew it was the place for them.

Lillian describes the process of planning a destination wedding a bit hectic at times, but found solace in the relaxing moments after finalizing big details for the day.

Instead of hiring a wedding planner, the couple utilized the Internet and various sites and forums tailored for destination weddings for tips and ideas. “Our biggest resource however, was Vincenzo’s mother, who was our boots on the ground and who found some of our vendors for us.”

Bringing your own DIY projects to a destination wedding isn’t always the easiest task, but Lillian and Vincenzo were able to incorporate their own personal touches to the wedding. Place card holders made from wine corks from the reception site’s winery and a handmade collage frame were just a few of their projects.

“My favorite do-it-yourself project was the ones we made to hold the rice and tiny flowers our guests threw at us as we exited the church,” says Lillian.

When it came closer to the big day, Lillian and Vincenzo helped their guests arrange the quickest and most cost efficient ways for everyone to arrive in Italy. This included helping book hotels and splitting cars among guests to reduce travel expenses.

In the end, Lillian and Vincenzo feel they spent around the same amount of money if they were to hold a wedding in the United States. “I am certain we got a lot more value by having our wedding in Italy,” says Lillian.

Although the process of planning an Italian destination wedding wasn’t exactly stress-free, Lillian and Vincenzo have no regrets. For those planning their own destination wedding, the duo advises, “Believe it or not, enjoy the stress and excitement while it is here because you may miss it when it’s gone.”

Vendors: Photographers: Katya Nova and Rob Michaud, Ceremony Site: San Giovanni in Venere Abbey, Fossacesia, Italy, Reception Site: Tenuta di Sipio, Florist: Fiori e piante Paglieta Rachele, Stationery: Studio Comunika, Cake: Tenuta di Sipio, Make-up: Bruno Daniela at Istituto di Bellezza, Gown Designer: Legends by Roona Keveza, Gown Accessories: Big Rock Bridal, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Hugo Boss, Music: Reception: Supernova Italy Music (Lisa La Torre, Marco Malandra and Andrea La Torre), Ceremony: Ada and Luca Flocco, Favors/Gifts/Décor: L’Ottaya Meravigilia