When two chefs get engaged, one specializing in Italian pastries, a destination wedding in Italy seems to be the perfect selection. Not only is Courtney a lover and creator of Italian pastries, but she’s also a history buff.

“The idea of getting married in a city like Rome with such history and beauty seemed like a perfect fit,” says Courtney. “My love of history and pastry came together in Rome!”

Another perk of their planning was the bride’s mother being a destination wedding planner. Working closely alongside her mother was a memorable experience for both of them as they brought Courtney’s wedding dreams to life.

While searching for a venue, Don and Courtney knew they needed a venue that would work with the two chefs on a customized menu, complete with Italian wine pairings with each course. This was a bit of a struggle for the couple, as many of the venues they considered had very specific menus.

Eventually they found a venue where they could have a customized menu, which also served as a place card for their 15 guests. Purple hemstitch napkins completed the look for the menus.

For their reception, a rooftop dinner was held on top of the Cesàri Hotel. “It felt so wonderful as if we had a bit of Rome to ourselves,” says Courtney. “Siting on top of the beautiful location at sunset was magical.”

One of the couple’s favorite parts of their destination wedding was going around Rome taking their wedding photos. “In particular, I loved having our reveal at the Pantheon,” says Courtney. “My family watched from the hotel windows across the piazza.”

When it came time to plan the details of the ceremony and reception, the bride admits she isn’t one to DIY. “I am not your DIY kind of girl,” says Courtney. “I am more about Prosecco and shoes, and I had both in Italy!”

Having always imagined a color scheme of white, black, purple and silver, the couple realized that may not work well with a July wedding in Rome. After looking through photos for inspiration, Don and Courtney decided to focus on the purple and let their florist create the floral elements.

Tablescapes of various sizes, accompanied with various vases and candles made a romantic setting on their long feasting table. “I didn’t want the décor to try and compete with the natural surroundings on the rooftop,” says Courtney.

The couple’s intimate wedding was a beautiful celebration of the love shared between Don and Courtney. For couples that are considering their own destination wedding, the couple advises, “You have to be patient and know that some things may not look or work out exactly as you envisioned. Remember the reasons that you decided on a destination wedding and just relax and have fun.”

Vendors: Photographer: Rochelle Cheever, First Look: Pantheon, Reception Dinner: Cesàri Hotel, Wedding Planner: Mary Litzsinger of VP Events, Inc., Florist: Noosheens, Shoe Designer: Manolo Blahnik, Ring: Family Heirloom, Hair & Makeup: Janita Helova.