A dramatic 17th-century baroque Villa Cetinale set the scene for this international couple

When Zachary, the future groom who lives in Miami, first met Isabella, a Brazilian beauty with an instinct for life’s most elegant moments, it was clear that their love story would be shaped by an artistic vision. It therefore comes as no surprise that their wedding celebration unfolded among the sunlit hills of Tuscany.

“We met in Miami through mutual friends, and from the very beginning everything felt natural and harmonious. We share the same values and vision of life, we are best friends and we support each other’s dreams, which guided every decision around our wedding,” Isabella tells Vogue Adria, revealing that from the day they reserved one of the most beautiful villas in Tuscany, two years passed until the wedding day, a timeline they consciously chose. “We wanted to give ourselves the space to thoughtfully consider every detail and to ensure a professional setting for such a significant celebration. One of them, Chiara Sernesi from Weddings in Tuscany, fully justified our trust. With exceptional care, she planned and designed our wedding down to the smallest details, making it truly unique; from the color palette and flowers to the candles, the ceremonial arch, and the atmosphere we had envisioned. Every choice reflected us, personal, considered, and rooted in the love story we were building together. Thanks to her talent, the most important day of our lives became a true work of art, elegant and deeply emotional.”

A 17th-century Villa Cetinale

The couple chose the legendary Villa Cetinale, an architectural gem from the 17th century located in the heart of the Sienese landscape. This historic estate, with its dramatic cypress-lined paths, ancient stone sculptures, and baroque details, provided a cinematic backdrop that perfectly suited Zachary’s photographic vision of a “simple yet beautiful motif.” “From the start, he knew I would fall in love with Tuscany, and he was right. Tuscany immediately became one of my favorite places. I was inspired by its warmth, its calm rhythm of life, beautiful colors, birdsong, and exceptional food and wine. The people made us feel at home, the perfect setting for us,” says Isabella.

Nonna Photography

The villa’s formal Italian gardens, with their symmetrical colonnades and romantic grottoes, became a natural stage for the celebration, a place where timeless architecture met modern elegance. When the American couple discovered Villa Cetinale, it immediately caught their eye. Rich in history, it felt intimate yet grand, and most importantly, it allowed both of their families to be together in one place. “The gardens are some of the most beautiful we have ever seen at a private villa, elegant, serene, and full of character. It did not feel like a traditional wedding venue, but more like a home, which is exactly what we wanted for such a personal celebration.”

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A romantic wedding in pastel tones

We know weddings are romantic, there is no doubt about that, but Isabella and Zachary intentionally emphasized their modern Tuscan fairytale with additional romantic touches such as soft pastel tones envisioned as the foundation of the design, creating an airy and elegant palette that naturally blended into the Tuscan landscape and the historic setting of Villa Cetinale. More than aesthetics, the atmosphere was centered on love and warmth. Every detail was chosen to make guests feel personally welcomed, from handwritten place cards at the tables to personalized bottles of limoncello that guided guests to their seats. Italian music filled the gardens and dining spaces, enhancing the sense of place and adding an intimate, celebratory note.

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The celebrations began the evening before the wedding with an emotional welcome dinner that mirrored the very essence of la dolce vita. Under strings of lights and surrounded by Tuscan vineyards, Isabella and Zachary gathered their closest friends and family for an intimate evening filled with laughter, happy tears, and a warm Mediterranean breeze. “Our guest list was intentionally small, made up only of people who truly matter to us, which made the energy incredibly genuine and joyful. With a mix of Brazilian and American friends and family, the celebration naturally became lively, full of laughter, dancing, and spontaneous moments,” Isabella recalls.

Nonna Photography

On the wedding day itself, Isabella shone in a breathtaking Galia Lahav gown, while her natural beauty was highlighted with minimalist, natural makeup. As she walked down the petal-strewn aisle, beneath tall cypress trees and among classical sculptures, the scene could have been lifted straight from a Renaissance painting, yet it felt entirely modern, thanks to the couple’s impeccable taste and flawless organization. The evening unfolded effortlessly and emotionally, guests were on their feet, music filled the gardens, and photographer Nonna Vanesian of Nonna Photography captured every guest in their happiest and most authentic moments. The emphasis was on intention and timing, which comes as no surprise, as Nonna, booked a full year in advance, worked closely with the couple well before the wedding day itself, discussing ideas and photographic scenes and carefully coordinating with Chiara from Weddings in Tuscany on the timeline to ensure that every detail and emotion was documented. Her photographic style and interpretation of color perfectly reflect the atmosphere of the wedding.

Nonna Vanesian / Nonna Photography

On the wedding day, Matteo of MDM Wedding Videography brought a wonderful and positive energy, working with great sensitivity with the couple so they felt relaxed and natural in front of the camera, allowing their genuine emotions to truly come through. Thanks to his talent, the video is not just a keepsake, but a true work of art that continues to move the newlyweds and everyone who watches it.

Nonna Vanesian / Nonna Photography

For Isabella and Zachary, Villa Cetinale was more than a wedding venue, it was a reflection of their shared journey. A Brazilian soul meets American creativity in the heart of Italy, where every stone tells a millennia-old story, and every photograph captures a love that is both timeless and thrillingly new.

Credits:

Wedding planner: @weddingsintuscany
Photography: @nonnavanesian
Video: @mdmwedding_videography
Bride: @isabella.vc
Location: @cetinale
Flowers: @puscinaflowers
Makeup: @aureadamiao
Band: @thewaveband
Band 2: @knightsclub.vip
Dress: @galialahav
DJ: @djzanoiataly
Cake: @sugarcups_cake_design