Love has a knack for discovering us in the most surprising corners of life. In the case of Kala and Ryan, it all began during a St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl in Philadelphia. Unbeknownst to them, this encounter would unfold into a beautiful love story, culminating in a dreamy destination wedding amidst the enchanting hills of Tuscany.

A Serendipitous Start

In an interview with the couple, Kala reminisced about the fateful night they met. “It sparked genuine conversation, not just your typical chit-chat,” she said. By the end of the night, Ryan promised to take her to Ireland for the next St. Patrick’s Day, a promise he fulfilled by proposing on the cliffs of Moher in 2020.

Choosing the Path Less Traveled

When planning their wedding, Kala and Ryan decided to embark on a journey of a lifetime—a destination wedding in Tuscany. “We love to travel! We knew Italy was where we wanted to honeymoon,” Kala explained. The idea of a small and intimate celebration with family and friends in a stunning location was too enticing to resist.

Finding Paradise in Tuscany

Selecting the perfect venue was a crucial step, and Kala dove into the world of Airbnb to find the gem that would host their special day. Borgo Petrognano, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, captured their hearts with its luscious green hills, vineyards, and the promise of a breathtaking view from the terrace.

However, as with any destination wedding, challenges arose. The distance from major cities posed a logistical hurdle, and unexpected transportation issues tested their planning. Kala emphasized the importance of thorough transportation planning and having alternative options to ensure a smooth journey for all guests.

A Vision Brought to Life

For Kala, the decor and florals were vital to the wedding. A shift from a clean and simple theme to a “magical fairy garden” unfolded over the planning period. Collaborating with their florist, Kala’s vision of fluffy clouds of baby’s breath, bursts of pastels, and silk butterflies came to life, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Personal touches, such as signature cocktails, a Polaroid guest book, and gold mirrored welcome signs, added a unique flair to the Tuscany celebration. The couple even incorporated elements from their courthouse wedding in the U.S., creating a seamless connection between the two events.

A Non-Traditional Affair

The ceremony reflected the couple’s desire to do things their way. Ryan’s sister, Amanda, served as the officiant, infusing the ceremony with a beautiful speech in American Sign Language to include Ryan’s deaf parents. The couple also embraced Italian traditions, with a Millefoglie cake cutting accompanied by lively Italian music and cheerful guests.

Overcoming the Distance with a Helping Hand

Planning a wedding from afar can be daunting, but Kala and Ryan found a savior in their wedding planner, Claudia. Unable to make a pre-wedding visit to Italy, Claudia played a crucial role in coordinating details, communicating with vendors, and ensuring flawless execution.

A One-of-a-Kind Experience

Reflecting on their destination wedding, Kala noted, “It wasn’t just another wedding; it was a one-of-a-kind experience we will never forget.” The extended celebration over four days immersed their families and friends in the beauty of Tuscany, creating lasting memories beyond the wedding day.

Words of Wisdom for Future Couples

Kala’s advice for future couples planning a destination wedding is clear: do your research and trust your vendors. The couple’s meticulous planning, combined with the expertise of their chosen vendors, resulted in a flawless day. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of early transportation planning for smoother logistics.

In the end, Kala and Ryan’s Tuscany wedding was a celebration of love, travel, and the sweet moments that make life extraordinary—a true testament to the Dolce Vita they embraced on their special day.

Vendors: Photographer: Blancorazon Wedding; Photographer Assistant: Elope to Europe; Wedding Planner: CG Wedding and Event Design; Venue: Borgo Petrognano; Florist: Funkybirdfirenze Flower; Wedding Dresses: Luce Sposa & Mirror Palais; Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mishka; Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN; Engagement Ring: Brilliant Earth; Groom’s Suit: Custom from Men’s Wearhouse; Catering: Cavalieri Ricevimenti; Makeup & Hair: Vera Makeup; Videographer: Sara Canducci Video; Music: Stefano Nannicini DJ; Lights: Wedding Music and Lights; Tent: Tuscany Luxury Wedding Tents; Stationery: Etsy; Travel Agent: Adventure Smarter