Nadia & Thomas: A Soft & Dreamy Romance on the Italian Riviera

The Vision: Riviera Glamour Meets Timeless Devotion

For Nadia and Thomas, a sophisticated couple from the United States, the allure of the Italian Riviera was undeniable. They sought a celebration that balanced the historic weight of a traditional Catholic ceremony with the airy, light-filled atmosphere of a summer by the sea. IWP Italian Wedding Planners (part of the Sposiamovi group) orchestrated a two-day experience (June 24–25, 2023) that felt like a contemporary fairytale set against the timeless backdrop of the Ligurian coast.

The design was rooted in a “Soft & Dreamy” aesthetic—a palette of delicate pastels and ethereal textures that mirrored the shifting blues of the Mediterranean and the pale stone of the Riviera’s grandest estates.

The Setting: The Majesty of Villa Durazzo

Perched high above the harbor of Santa Margherita Ligure, just minutes from the iconic Portofino, Villa Durazzo is a 17th-century masterpiece surrounded by a lush Italian park. For American couples dreaming of a “Sea View” wedding, this venue is unparalleled. Its black-and-white pebbled paths (risseu), citrus groves, and neoclassical statues offer a sense of “Old World” prestige that is both intimate and grand.

The villa served as a sanctuary for the guests, offering a private vantage point over the Gulf of Tigullio. The proximity to the sea provided a constant, gentle breeze and a sense of serenity that defined the entire weekend.

Design Concept: A Whimsical Botanical Garden

The creative direction was led by the desire to create a “Soft & Dreamy” atmosphere that felt both organic and meticulously polished.

• The Floral Narrative: Chiara Sperti Floral Events transformed the villa’s spaces into a whimsical garden. Using a cloud-like arrangement of seasonal blooms in shades of ivory, blush, and dusty blue, the floral design softened the villa’s architectural lines, creating a romantic, almost translucent aesthetic.
• The Art of the Table: Beautiful Letters provided bespoke stationery that captured the “Classic” essence of the day, while Smacrent provided high-end rentals that allowed for a contemporary tablescape within the historic loggias.
• Bespoke Production: Technical Network and VLA Service ensured that the lighting design was subtle and evocative, transitioning from the bright coastal sun into a soft, candlelit glow as evening fell over the harbor.

Gastronomy & The Sound of Liguria

A wedding on the Riviera is a celebration of the senses. Capurro Ricevimenti, one of the region’s most prestigious caterers, curated a menu that featured the delicate flavors of the Ligurian coast, from artisanal pesto to the freshest local catch, served with an elegance that reflects the highest standards of Italian hospitality.

The musical journey was equally curated:

• The Atmosphere: Musicaevento provided a live soundtrack that moved from the solemnity of the Catholic rite to a light, sophisticated jazz-infused cocktail hour.
• The Party: As the moon rose over the sea, the energy shifted with Judici Music, whose DJ set transformed the villa’s terrace into an exclusive coastal club, celebrating the new Mr. and Mrs. under the stars.

Capturing the Light: Carolina Serafini

To preserve the “Soft & Dreamy” vision, we collaborated with Carolina Serafini. Her photography style is celebrated for its ability to capture light and emotion with a fine-art, editorial sensibility. Every frame of Nadia and Thomas’s wedding feels like a memory captured in a dream—soft-focused, luminous, and deeply moving. AW Productions provided the cinematic cinematography, ensuring that the movement of the sea and the whispers of the vows were preserved in a high-fashion film format.

The Creative Team (Portfolio Credits)

• Planning & Design: [IWP Italian Wedding Planners / Sposiamovi]
• Venue: Villa Durazzo, Santa Margherita Ligure
• Photography: Carolina Serafini (@carolinaserafiniphotographer)
• Cinematography: AW Productions (@awproductions_wedding)
• Floral Design: Chiara Sperti (@chiaraspertifloralevents)
• Catering: Capurro Ricevimenti (@capurro_ricevimenti)
• Stationery: Beautiful Letters (@beautifulletters)
• Music & Entertainment: Musicaevento / Judici Music (@judicimusic)
• Production & AV: Technical Network
• Rentals: Smacrent