LOVE IN THE TIME OF COVID

In 2021, in what was a strange stop-start time for all of us, Georgia and Leon’s paths first crossed at a bar in St Albans, when her friend, knowing the future groom’s interest, boldly joined his table of friends. “Before the end of the night he had my number, and a week later he drove all the way from Cambridge to take me out for dinner”.  From that first date, everything followed naturally, including Leon’s sunset proposal in November 2023 – with the perfect ring – while they were sailing on a yacht in Dubai.

TIMELESS TUSCANY

With a timeline of just over a year and a half to plan their nuptials, our bride admits she “found it stressful at times”. The loved-up pair knew that it was an Italian destination wedding that they wanted, so without further ado, Georgia took a whirlwind weekend trip to Florence, visiting five venues in an effort to narrow down the big-day backdrop of their dreams.

This proved easier than expected, as she knew as soon as she set eyes on the arresting 15th-century Villa di Maiano that it was the one. “It has the undeniable wow factor from the moment you arrive. Its history gives it such charm and character, while the interiors are regal, elegant and truly breathtaking.”

Set just five kilometres from Tuscany’s capital, the villa’s grounds offer a sweeping panorama of Florence’s terracotta-and-white skyline, crowned by the iconic Duomo.

Venue secured, it was on to styling. The result was subtly chic, with flourishes of ivory, cream, blush-pink and peach.

RAILS AND REELS

For influencer and blogger Georgia, choosing a wedding dress was always going to be a highlight of the bridal experience. “I tried on a lot of dresses – probably 20 in total,” she confesses.

But as soon as she slipped on a strapless full-lace Zuhair Murad gown, complete with sultry structured bodice and a full, frothy skirt, she was sold. “I knew instantly it was the one. It was timelessly beautiful and had echoes of Grace Kelly’s wedding gown – her style has had a big influence on me for years.” She opted for a matching lace-trimmed veil by the same designer, in royal length – perhaps a sub-conscious nod to the late Monaco monarch. For the evening festivities, she chose a pearl-encrusted Rosie Etienne number.

FIRENZE FESTA

The couple kicked things off with a first-look moment. “It was calm and grounding, and got our tears out of the way early, which made the rest of the day much lighter and more relaxed,” Georgia notes.

After open-air vows with heavenly Florentine vistas, it was time to drink, eat and be merry. And in Italy, this was hardly a challenge. After a delicious feast of pasta dishes, guests were treated to a spritz bar – pouring out glasses of Hugo, Aperol, cherry and apple varieties – and gelato cart, allowing them to make the most of the sunshine – molto Italiano!

“MY FAVOURITE IMAGE WAS THE ONE OF ME AND MY DAD DURING OUR FIRST LOOK. I’LL NEVER FORGET HOW EMOTIONAL HE WAS. THE PHOTO CAPTURES SUCH A RAW, TENDER MOMENT BETWEEN US, AND I’LL TREASURE IT FOREVER”

GEORGIA, THE BRIDE

After dark, the reception brought even more memorable moments, from Georgia’s grandparents tearing up the dancefloor to the bride taking the stage with the band to perform her dad’s favourite song, Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey. “It was chaotic, hilarious and the perfect way to end the most joy-filled night.”

Creatives + Credits

Venue: Villa di Maiano, Florence villadimaiano.it | Photographer: Federico Lanuto federicolanutophotography.it| Dress: Zuhair Murad @ The Wedding Club thewedding-club.co.uk & Rosie Etienne uk.rosieetienne.com | Veil: Zuhair Murad zuhairmurad.com | Shoes: Jimmy Choo jimmychoo.com | Hair: Shawna Bridal Hair @shawnabridalhair | Make-up: Polly Marchant & Louise Cook @pollymarchant; @browsbymisslouise | Bridesmaids’ dresses: Sisterhood Bridesmaids sisterhoodbridesmaids.co.uk | Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss hugoboss.com | Groomsmen’s suits: Marks & Spencer marksandspencer.com | Flowers: Lilla Florals lillafloraldesign.com | Cake: Il Sorriso Ricevimenti ilsorrisoricevimenti.it | Stationery: By Florence byflorence.co.uk | Entertainment: The Puppets Band puppetsband.com | Videographer: Timeless Weddings | Content creator: Content for Brides contentforbrides.com