When Anastasia and Jordan’s original wedding venue plans in Ontario fell through, what could’ve been a disappointment turned into a dreamy Tuscan fairytale. Trading the expected for the extraordinary, the couple brought their closest friends and family to La Selva Giardino del Belvedere in Montegonzi, Italy—a venue as poetic as their love story.

“It was a blessing in disguise,” Anastasia says. “We realized that if we truly did what we wanted, unencumbered by the expectations of others, we’d have a very small wedding abroad – so we did!”

A Canadian Love Story (with a Twist of Italy)

The couple first met on a boat tour in Hamilton, Ontario, at what they now lovingly refer to as “a booze cruise.” “Jordan knew the birthday boy and I knew the band,” recalls Anastasia. It was a serendipitous meeting that would eventually take them across the ocean to say “I do” in a ceremony filled with magic, olives, and Aperol spritzes.

La Selva, their venue of choice, was found thanks to their photographer, Kristen Elizabeth, who curated a list of dreamy options. “We chose this venue because the photos looked magical,” Anastasia explains. “It had been featured in Vogue, had amazing reviews, and you could just tell they were pros at destination weddings.”

Personal Touches with an Artistic Flair

The couple kept their wedding deeply personal, infusing creativity into nearly every detail. Jordan, an artist, helped design and print the signage and menus. They also included handwritten thank-you notes tied to bottles of olive oil made by the venue itself. “We placed one in each guest’s room,” says Jordan. “It was a small gesture, but it felt meaningful.”

The couple also created all their playlists—carefully crafting the soundtrack for the ceremony, dinner, and dance party—and sent out custom-designed digital invitations through Canva.

A Ceremony of Stillness and Surprise

Set in a centuries-old amphitheater nestled into the lush landscape of La Selva, the ceremony was nothing short of enchanting. Anastasia and Jordan each took quiet moments with their parents before walking down the aisle—she upstairs in the villa sipping Aperol with hers, he downstairs with his.

“We felt it was important to have some quality time with our parents amidst all the hurried excitement,” Anastasia shares. “It felt very grounding and peaceful.”

The ceremony itself was a blend of tradition and individuality. Both Anastasia and Jordan walked down the aisle with both parents at their side, and her bridal look was kept a surprise to most guests until that very moment.

Stress-Free, Beautifully Unpredictable

Planning a wedding from across the Atlantic might sound daunting, but with the help of planner Francesco Cioncolini and the La Selva team, it became unexpectedly serene. “Francesco had thought of every possible detail,” Anastasia says. “We didn’t even do a pre-wedding site visit—he made it that easy.”

While the couple admits to the logistical challenge of hauling outfits and supplies from Canada, they embraced the minimalist approach. “We learned that the surroundings are your décor,” says Jordan. “Cobblestone roads don’t exactly welcome excess luggage.”

A Wedding That Became a Journey

With fewer than 25 guests, the wedding remained beautifully intimate, allowing the couple to be fully present and emotionally vulnerable. “Even though it was so small, it was hard not to worry about everyone,” Jordan laughs. “But being able to travel with friends and family before and after the wedding? That was priceless.”

The couple hosted a joint bachelor/bachelorette bash in Florence, honeymooned on the Amalfi Coast, and reunited with friends in Rome. “We made so many core memories that certainly wouldn’t have been possible if we had our wedding at home,” Anastasia says.

Their best advice for other couples planning from afar? Hire a local planner, schedule downtime, keep guest lists small, and ditch the idea that more is better. “Ultimately,” says Anastasia, “it was about the people who were there to share the moments with us.”

Vendors: Photographer: Kristen Elizabeth Photography; Wedding Planner: Francesco Cioncolini; Venue & Cake: La Selva Giardino del Belvedere; Florist: Stiatti Fiori; Gown Designer: Sarah Seven; Groom’s Suit: Suit Supply