Journal

Jessica & Dan's Foodie Livernano Estate Wedding in Tuscany

The "when in Rome" spirit made an impression on groom Dan. While he and Jessica jetted off to Italy to celebrate her graduating, he decided to pop the question.

Jess and Dan walking hand in hand along a tree-lined gravel path at Livernano Estate, Tuscany

The proposal in Tuscany

"We had been dating for seven years and were in Tuscany for a fortnight of food and wine in the sun," explains Jessica. The groom proposed over breakfast, accompanying those four magic words with stunning views over the vineyards, exquisite espresso and a diamond ring.

Inspired by their holiday, the couple set their hearts on a wedding in Tuscany.

Groom in green trousers leading his bride by the hand down a woodland path at Livernano Estate

Aerial view of rolling Tuscan hills and cypress trees around Livernano Estate

Aerial view of the stone hamlet and swimming pool of Livernano Estate in the Tuscan hills

Old stone building glimpsed through sunlit trees at Livernano Estate, Tuscany

Glittery bridal sandals hanging from an ornate gold chandelier

Groom's tan leather brogues and belt on a step beside a terracotta pot

Bride being helped into her sparkly heels beneath her tulle skirt

Groom and groomsmen in grey jackets and green trousers by a stone arch at Livernano Estate

Wine barrel altar with white flowers and wooden benches on a hillside lawn at Livernano Estate

Groom waiting with guests under trees beside the stone villa before the ceremony, Livernano Estate

A secluded setting

"We visited the estate for dinner and fell in love while on holiday. It is hidden away miles from the town along a dirt track that winds among vines. At the end, the estate is a small restored medieval hamlet on the crest of a hill." Livernano Estate was the perfect location for the couple.

Bride and flower girls emerging from a stone doorway, framed by a blurred wall

Aisle attire

Every bit the contemporary bride, Jessica opted for a stylish ensemble of separates. "I chose pieces from Charlie Brear and Halfpenny London, styled by Victoria at Cicily Bridal." Appliqué blooms made the dress utterly dreamy. Jimmy Choo heels and a bespoke Britten veil added the finishing touches.

Groom Dan looked dapper in a Bertoni suit, Charles Tyrwhitt shirt and Mr Bow Tie accessories. "Dan's forest green trousers tied in with the colour scheme and landscape," adds the bride. Continuing the emerald scheme, the bridesmaids wore multi-way gowns by Victoria Lou Bridal.

Bride arriving with her father, flower girls and a page boy in an ivy-covered courtyard

Father walking the bride to the ceremony past a stone house in the Tuscan hills

Outdoor ceremony on a hillside overlooking green Tuscan valleys at Livernano Estate

Close-up of the bride and groom holding hands beside a wine barrel during the ceremony

A bespoke ceremony

Jessica and Dan jumped at the chance to make the moment they said "I do" their own. "We loved creating a personalised ceremony. We included a toast using local dessert wine and both our sisters gave readings. The extract from Winnie the Pooh had us in tears — it was a lovely family occasion."

Celebrant leading the ceremony as guests watch from benches on the hillside, Livernano Estate

Bride smiling at her groom as the celebrant reads during the ceremony

Couple facing the celebrant with forested Tuscan hills behind them at Livernano Estate

Bride laughing with her bridesmaids as the groom and best man look on during the ceremony

Bride and groom kissing in a sunlit grassy olive grove seen from above, Livernano Estate

Groom approaching his bride in long grass beneath trees for their first look

Groom twirling his bride in front of an arched door of a stone farmhouse at Livernano Estate

Long reception tables with white linen, eucalyptus garlands and lanterns in a stone courtyard

Guests dining under white canopies and festoon lights beside a stone tower at Livernano Estate

Bride hugging her groom from behind with Tuscan hills and blue sky beyond

Vineyard romance

Inspired by the location, the couple created a stylish colour scheme that majored on accents of green, white and gold. "We wanted to complement the surroundings and enhance the beauty of the buildings. The festoon lights certainly did that. Gifting each guest a tiny bottle of olive oil from the vineyard seemed the perfect choice."

A true family affair, the couple sought out wedding photos from family members dating back an incredible 100 years. "We displayed them in gold frames at our wedding. With the help of my bridesmaids, we also dried petals from our English gardens for a year ahead of the wedding." Vanessa Kirkam Designs created and painted the charming signs.

Bride holding a eucalyptus bouquet framed in a gilded mirror under a wooden beamed ceiling

Peonies and herbs

When asked to define the style of her wedding flowers, Jessica had just two words: "big and wild". "We wanted a simple palette of white and green using exclusively local and seasonal blooms." Sprigs of rosemary and olive formed the foliage, enhanced by fairy-tale white peonies. Tall ceremony arrangements set the scene for the flowing foliage table runners at the reception.

Empty white picture frame and paper lanterns hanging in trees beside an ivy-covered wall

Antipasti buffet of bruschetta, caprese skewers and canapés on a white tablecloth

Swing band with double bass, banjo and brass playing on the lawn outside the stone villa

Guests playing ring toss on the lawn in front of the stone buildings at Livernano Estate

Bride and groom smiling as they cut a dessert at the reception

Couple kissing on the dance floor as the band plays behind them, glowing lights in front

Bride's veil billowing in the wind as she stands beside her groom under trees

Bride and groom small beneath tall trees on a hilltop at golden hour, Livernano Estate

Couple silhouetted by a sunburst through dark woodland at sunset

Groom leading his bride past a small stone cottage, her veil trailing on the grass

A four-course feast

Livernano Estate also gave the couple access to in-house wine and catering. "We had canapés of cured meats, salad and a huge crumbling tower of pecorino cheese paired with Livernano prosecco after the ceremony."

The main event was a four-course celebration of Italian flavours. "We started with pecorino soufflé, followed by pistachio and black cabbage gnocchi. Next, we chose roast cockerel and vegetables. The food was paired with wine from the vineyard." Italian mille-feuille topped with personalised cake toppers created a moreish send-off. "The candid shots of everyone laughing at dinner are some of our favourite wedding photos."

Bride beside a white vintage convertible as the groom leans on it at sunset, Liopetro

Let's dance

The Old Florence Dixie Band provided live music and a magical atmosphere during garden games and the early evening, before the dance floor took over and dancing into the early hours ensued.

The most unique entertainment of all had a different theme: "We invited guests to smash a giant grape piñata that was filled with glow sticks and sweets to fuel the party."

Jade and Ian beneath the floodlit entrance of Hedsor House at night, UK

Jade and Peter walking hand in hand along a white vaulted corridor at Anassa, Cyprus

Emily and Chris silhouetted against a blue and orange sunset sky, bouquet raised, at Minthis, Paphos

Double-exposure silhouette of a couple holding hands at sunset, Wokefield Park, UK

Working with Beziique

"We spent a long time looking for a photographer that would give us the images we dreamed of. We wanted romantic photos that reflected the fun of our day. Nick and Aimie at Beziique made us laugh and they knew just what to do and when. We did not miss out on time celebrating because we were taking pictures. Instead, we have a beautiful collection of the best moments of our day, as well as some great posed photos. We love the sunset shots."

Bride and groom laughing as guests shower them with confetti at Liopetro, Kouklia

Couple framed in a doorway under the Milky Way, surrounded by glowing bokeh lights, Liopetro

Charlene and Ben twirling on a country lane between dry grass at Liopetro, Kouklia

Bride and groom silhouetted against a fiery sunset, her long veil flowing, at Alassos

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