This take on Minted was made by undefined from , a member of Minted's community of independent artists.
Following a romantic proposal during a family trip to Mexico, Brittany Sturrett and Jesse Olson decided to host their nuptials in the Tuscan countryside. On July 3, 2017, in front of their 60 guests, the Brooklyn-based couple exchanged vows at Villa Medicea de Lilliano, a beautiful 13th-century villa, followed by an alfresco reception amid groves of lemon and olive trees.
We met at a restaurant that we both worked at—it was called A Voce and was located in Columbus Circle in Manhattan. He was a Sous Chef at the time and I was a front-of-house captain.
We were in Mexico on a family trip, and Jesse had the ring with him the whole day and was trying to find the perfect place to pop the question! The day was filled with swimming in cenotés, zip-lining, climbing pyramids; he ended up doing it after a family dinner. We all took a walk down the beach and I remember looking up and seeing the bright full moon; at the same time, I could sense my family slowly backing away. I turned and looked at Jesse, just as he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! There were a group of people around us clapping after I said “Yes!” and the rest is history.
We wanted it to be a trip our closest friends and family could check off their bucket list. Just a big vacation and event to share all together.
“Al Fresco” by Haley Warner
It was the perfect pick for our olive-branch wedding theme.
Everything was great! The colors and process was so easy, and I love the quality of paper.
I loved walking down the aisle with both my dad and stepdad. The sunset over the back of the villa also made it extra special for the mood.
During the ceremony, we did a tasting of the four elements; we also had a “warming of the rings” ceremony (where guests are given the opportunity to hold the couple’s wedding bands and offer a silent blessing or prayer for their marriage).
Our first dance was to a song written by Jesse’s grandfather, who couldn’t be there at the wedding: “I See Love” by Glen Campbell.
I loved our olive oil wedding favors and our flowers! I was so sad that I couldn’t take our flowers with us back to the States.
One of my favorite moments was sitting at the end of our long dinner table amid the Tuscan sunset, seeing all of our friends and family smiling and enjoying themselves.
We stayed two more weeks (so, four weeks total) in Italy. After we got married we went to Rome, Positano, Amalfi Coast, Capri, Puglia, and then back to Milan.
Make Pinterest boards!! They saved my life and put everything into perspective.
Invitation suite
“Al Fresco” by Haley Warner
Ceremony program
“Al Fresco” by Haley Warner
Place card
“Gold Bars” by Fig and Cotton
Favor tag
“Botanical Name Plate” by Shiny Penny Studio
Menu card
“Field” by Toast & Laurel
Ceremony & reception: Villa Medicea di Lilliano, Grassina Italy
Photography: Paula O’Hara
Wedding planner: Alise Taggart
Florist: Annalisa di Federico of Isa Events
Catering & Rentals: Guidi-Lenci
Cake: Tuscan Wedding Cakes
Makeup Artist: Sandra Lovisco from My Wedding Mirror
Bridesmaid dresses: Reformation
Groomsmen tuxedos: The Black Tux
Music: Slightly Out
Lighting/DJ: The Alma Project
Cinematographer: Cinematictide
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