Paige and Richard were married in Florence with a beautiful Jewish wedding ceremony at the Great Synagogue of Florence followed by a fabulous wedding reception at Villa di Maiano in Fiesole.
Ceremony (Chuppah) – Great Synagogue Florence Wedding
Paige and Richard’s Jewish wedding ceremony (the Chuppah) took place at the Great Synagogue of Florence. The Synagogue dates back to the late 1800’s and is certainly one of the most beautiful Synagogues that I have ever seen.
For the chuppah itself, we wanted something beautiful – but everyone (the couple, the florist – Il Giardino delle Fate Flower Design – and myself) agreed that it should not in any way distract from the beauty or elegance of this historic building.
The Wedding Venue
Following the Chuppah, we transported guests in a fleet of coaches to the Villa di Maiano, a beautiful villa in Fiesole, a small town in the hills above Florence. Villa di Maiano is where the movie A Room with a View was filmed (just celebrating the 30th anniversary of the film).
Guests were treated to the most spectacular view of the city of Florence from the terrace where we hosted the drinks reception (or as the Italians call it, the Aperitivo). The caterer, Delizia Ricevimenti, served Prosecco, Aperol Spritz and cocktails alongside canapés (or finger foods as they call them) and food corners which were beautifully dressed and served items such as Tuscan breads, cheeses, fish carpaccio and caprese. It is true to say that the food at an Italian wedding is always delicious and plentiful.
Flowers and Styling
The focus of the table centrepieces was an antique gold candelabra around the base of which we placed small pots of flowers, gold candlesticks with tapered candles and antique gold votives with tea lights. The flowers were white hydrangea, white and green lisianthus, blush garden roses, ivory and light pink avalanche roses.
However, the main feature on the day was undoubtedly the top table, which was placed on to a purpose built platform opposite the stage and at the end of the dance floor. The table itself was wooden and rustic in style, with a pergola placed over the top. This was dressed with chandeliers, flowers, foliage and hanging glass globes, with tea lights.
Entertainment
Entertainment was provided by Totem, a London based band who flew out to Florence especially for the wedding. Guests danced before dinner, between courses, after dinner and then again at the after party. The atmosphere was electric with an amazing connection between the band and all of the guests. Lighting, sound and production were provided locally in Florence by Alma Project 24/7.
Wedding Speeches
A highlight of this wedding were the speeches, all written by the groom’s mother, and professional speechwriter, Sharon Winton. As a wedding planner, I passionately believe that wedding speeches are a crucial element of the day – I would even go so far as to say they form a huge part of the wedding entertainment and at this wedding were sensational, with each one incorporating a song.
Details, details, details…
As always at an Elegante by Michelle J wedding, we included a number of carefully curated little touches and special details, including fans, heel protectors and flip flops for the ladies (“ a little treat for your dancing feet”), kippot from Hebrewear for the men and a calligraphied mirrored table plan by Laura Mazzetti Wedding Letters.
Wedding invitations were by Ruth Kaye Design
And wedding day stationery by Big Day Designs
Featured on Smashing the Glass – Jewish Wedding Blog
Paige and Richard’s wedding has been featured on Smashing the Glass – Jewish Wedding Blog; for further details of the wedding – and to hear all about it in Paige’s words, head over to Smashing the Glass.
Special thanks to all of the suppliers who worked together as a team to deliver Paige and Richard’s Great Synagogue Florence wedding:
Wedding planning, design and co-ordination: Elegante by Michelle J
Venue: Villa di Maiano
Synagogue: Great Synagogue of Florence
Photographer David Bastianoni
Caterer: Delizia Ricevimenti
Florist: Il Giardino dell Fate Flower Design
Band: Totem
Lighting and Production: Alma Project 24/7
Wedding day stationery: Big Day Designs
Invitations: Ruth Kaye Design
Table Plan: Laura Mazzetti Wedding Letters
Bride’s Dress: Suzanne Neville