For Kelsey and Brett, the road to “I do” began with a digital nudge and a bit of persistence in New York City. When the time to tie the knot came around, the couple traded the bustling streets of Manhattan for the quiet Tuscan hills on the outskirts of Florence, Italy, for their September 2025 nuptials.

While the couple calls NYC home, they felt a local wedding wouldn’t be quite as special and sought a location that resonated with Kelsey’s Italian heritage. After exploring various Italian regions, they fell in love with Florence for its accessibility and incomparable city and countryside views.

Finding the perfect venue was a last-minute victory during a scouting trip. “From the moment we walked into Villa il Garofalo, we were both in awe,” Kelsey recalls. “The view is utterly spectacular. By the time we’d walked through the gardens, we looked at one another and were like, ‘Okay, so we’re booking it, right?'”

To simplify the legalities of marrying abroad, the pair hosted a private elopement at New York’s City Hall months prior, leaning into Kelsey’s love for Sex and the City. This allowed their Italian ceremony to be “fun and lighthearted.”

The ceremony was held on a gravel terrace at the villa, overlooking a panoramic vista of Florence and the iconic Duomo. The couple stood before a low, manicured hedge that served as a natural altar rail, framed by modern white pedestals topped with airy floral arrangements in shades of white, blush, and dusty rose. A crisp white aisle runner led the way to the altar, providing a clean contrast against the rustic gravel.

Kelsey walked down the aisle in a dramatic Nicole & Felicia gown featuring a voluminous, tiered ruffled skirt and a long, sheer veil that trailed behind her, while Brett awaited her in a classic black tuxedo by Suit Supply. Officiated by a close family friend, the ceremony featured deeply personal touches. “I felt like, if I was going to drag everyone all the way to Italy, the least I could do was let them hear some beautiful vows,” Kelsey says.

To ensure the focus remained on the moment, the couple made several thoughtful adjustments:

Inclusive Seating: Departing from the tradition of a standing bridal party, the bridesmaids and groomsmen sat in the front rows so they could “properly watch” and be more comfortable.

Fashion-Forward Wedding Party: Instead of matching uniforms, the bridesmaids wore a cohesive color palette that allowed their individual styles to shine as they processed individually down the aisle.

The celebration moved into the villa’s gardens, where guests sat at “one giant table with chandeliers and roses along the entire length of it.” Despite the grand setting, Kelsey prioritized DIY elements to make the day feel intimate, including a seating chart made of Polaroid photos featuring “oldestor funniest memories” with each guest.

The night transitioned indoors for a high-energy dance party characterized by a unique design choice. Kelsey describes the scene: “The juxtaposition of all of the lights and the disco balls against the ancient villa was like something out of a dream.”

Reflecting on the planning process, Kelsey emphasizes the importance of a local planner and maintaining a positive mindset. “Things will go wrong no matter how much work you put in to try to avoid it,” she shares. “At the end of the day, some of the more imperfect moments have proven to be the best stories.”

Vendors: Photographer: Sophie Mort Photography; Wedding Planner: Tuscan Wedding Team; Venue: Villa il Garofalo; Florist: Fleurs Cortona; Videographer: Gaetano di Giacomo; Cake: Roland’s; Bride’s Gown: Nicole & Felicia; Groom’s Suit: Suit Supply