Kevin and Jenna chose Italy for their simple, intimate and elegant destination wedding. “We didn’t want the day to get swallowed up in the details and planning, but rather keep the focus on what it was – a joining of two lives and two families,” says the newlyweds.

Although their parents were the only guests, this couple also held a reception back home to celebrate with other loved ones and share their memories from the trip.

From the start, the bride and groom knew they wanted to say “I do” in Europe, and when a family friend suggested Italy, there was no going back. They ultimately decided on a venue just outside Cortona, near Tuscany. “For us, the wedding went very smoothly,” says the pair. “The owner of the hotel did a lot of the planning for us. The biggest challenge was having very little actually planned and trusting that it would all work out.”

For Kevin and Jenna, talking with the owner gave them both a lot of confidence in the details. They recommend being flexible about the little things and putting trust into others, which is partially why they decided to get married away from home to begin with.

“Part of our decision to do a destination wedding was to let go of the planning and details, so we really put our focus on surrounding ourselves with family and environment rather than decoration details,” the couple says.

Because of the minimal guests, travel logistics were easy and everyone was able to stay in the hotel where the wedding took place.

Not only were travel logistics easy, but the hotel owner communicated with the newlyweds and arranged hair, floral and cake details. “He took care of all of it,” Kevin and Jenna say. “We sent him a few ideas on what we wanted and then had to trust. It all ended up perfect and we couldn’t have been happier!”

The pair says that having trust in others and “going with the flow” not only made everything easier, but it also cost less. “If we would have had a local wedding, we definitely would have wanted everything perfect and would have exceeded any budget we set,” they say.

Aside from costing more, the couple agrees that having the wedding at home would have had an entirely different feel. “I think we would have been happy either way, but the destination wedding definitely felt more special for us,” they say. “When we look back, we remember beautiful scenery, our parents laughing and enjoying themselves and a very special ceremony. I think if we had it locally, we would have remembered more of the stress and planning and may not have noticed the little special details.”

All-in-all, Kevin and Jenna say when planning a destination wedding, trusting others is key. “It’s very difficult to do, but will make the whole experience that much better,” the couple says. “Beyond that, just keep the focus on what’s important. You and your future spouse are going to get married, all of the other details don’t matter in the end.”

Vendors: Photographer: Belinda Jean Photography, Wedding Planner: David Papi, Ceremony & Reception Site: Relais La Corte Dei Papi, Gown Designer: Martina Liana & Groom’s Clothing Designer: By Vesna