Claire here - Happy Friday! So, I'm going to be really gushy about today's real wedding. (Apologies in advance.)

Because, well, like so many of the Italian weddings we feature on Bridal Musings, it's kind of my dream day (remind me why I'm getting married in Ireland again!).

But not because of the sunshine, the cheese platter or the vineyard setting (though those are pretty special), it's because, not only is this wedding beautiful (and so chic!), but it has a real spirit to it too.

Axel and Elena are German and Italian respectively, and live in Hamburg. After falling in love with the Northern Italian weddings Elena found online, they decided to get married in the stunning village of Brisighella.

And who better to capture it, than one of our favourite Italian wedding photographers, Stefano Santucci?

Wearing a Laure De Sagazan wedding dress ( we're obsessed with the French designer) and the prettiest flower crown, Elena made a stunning bride. While Axel, was equally dashing, in his Hugo Boss suit - and look out for their cool red convertible!

With the most idyllic setting and lovely decor (Elena is a set designer!), their rustic outdoor celebration overlooking the Italian countyside, looks like the most fun, romantic, and joyful bash.

Yep, like I said, this is basically my dream wedding!

Wedding Day Snapshot

Our Love Story

Axel and I met on the set of a film, He was working as a director and it was my first time as a set designer and stylist. My first experience, and for sure the nicest one. Our wedding in three words? Natural, light, and romantic. We cant our wedding wanted to be a summer fest. Friends meeting together on a midsummer evening, like at a village fete. We celebrated love, life and dolce vita. The venue was perfect for this reason, because it was very simple and left rough and real. The view, the open spaces facing the valley and its old barn, were the perfect frame for our festival.

The Inspiration

We choose Stefano Santucci because of his very natural and special style. We wanted to have more of a reportage style than traditional wedding photography, and we saw that his pictures where just the right direction for us.

The Photography

The flowers were curated with special attention to both the colors and the composition. I loved the idea of mixing silver greens together with some hints of pastel colors. For me, it was also important to have some flowers and plants connected to the location, that's why we mixed olive branches into the bouquet. Brisighella is very famous for its special oil, which was also our guest favours, as I wanted to make a connection to this local fact. Benedetta, the florist, did a great job! I Casolari del Parco is a very rustic and traditional location, that is why we fell in love with it. The decoration was quite basic, and I did it together with my husband, and friends which, with a lot of patience, in the heat, helped us to enhance the barn.
We are planning to travel to Japan at the beginning of April, we didn't want to miss the cherry blossom fest, and eventually we want to go Fiji. We rolled tassel garlands, and prepared the table plan. We thought it represented the kind of mood we wanted to give to our wedding. Be inspired by more Beautiful Real Destination Weddings.

The Flowers & Favours

The Decor & Details

The Honeymoon

See, I told you it was pretty special? Don't you love the reception set up, and as for that epic backdrop, just, wow!

Thanks so much to the talented Stefano Santucci Photography, and of course, Axel & Elena for sharing their Italian destination wedding with us.