Samantha & Philippus: A Minimalist Coastal Poem at Villa Marigola

The Vision: Quiet Luxury on the Gulf of Poets

For Samantha and Philippus, a discerning couple from the United States, the appeal of Liguria lay in its poetic history and its shimmering, crystalline light. They sought a celebration that rejected the “over-produced” in favor of a Minimalist aesthetic—a day where the architecture of the villa and the blue of the Mediterranean were the primary focal points. IWP Italian Wedding Planners (part of the Sposiamovi group) designed a celebration on June 29, 2025, that acted as a masterclass in “Natural Light” luxury.

The goal was simple: to create a space that felt open, airy, and profoundly romantic, utilizing the “Stealth Wealth” philosophy where the quality of the experience speaks louder than the décor.

The Setting: A Literary Haven Above the Sea

Villa Marigola is one of the most prestigious estates in Northern Italy, famously loved by the Romantic poets Shelley and Byron. Its tiered Italian gardens and citrus-scented terraces offer a panoramic vantage point over the Gulf of Poets, with the colorful villages of Lerici and Portovenere visible on the horizon.

The symbolic ceremony was held on the villa’s primary terrace, overlooking the sea. For American couples seeking an alternative to the more crowded coastal spots, Villa Marigola offers a sense of aristocratic seclusion. The “Natural Light” of the Riviera in late June provided a luminous, high-fashion glow that defined every chapter of the day.

Design Concept: Refined Minimalism & Botanical Clarity

The creative direction was guided by the principle of “Less is More,” ensuring the visual narrative remained clean and timeless.

• The Floral Narrative: Fior di Latte Flower Design executed a concept of botanical clarity. Eschewing heavy colors, the design used a palette of crisp whites and organic, sculptural greenery. The arrangements were placed strategically to enhance the villa’s historic stone and the sea views, creating a look that was both modern and deeply rooted in the Italian landscape.
• The Beauty Brief: Jen Hair & Make up curated a look for Samantha that was the epitome of “Luminous Sophistication”—a fresh, radiant style designed to breathe in the coastal air and glow under the natural Ligurian sun.
• Artisanal Finishing: The celebration culminated in a bespoke creation by Lab Poets, whose cake design acted as a minimalist piece of edible art, echoing the contemporary elegance of the entire weekend.

Gastronomy & The Rhythm of the Riviera

A Riviera wedding is a celebration of freshness. Priscilla Eventi e Ricevimenti curated a culinary journey that focused on the delicate flavors of the coast—artisan seafood, local olive oils, and seasonal produce—served with an effortless elegance that defines the highest standards of Italian hospitality.

The atmosphere was designed to be fluid and joyful:

• The Soundtrack: The energy of the day transitioned from the quiet, emotional whispers of the ceremony into a vibrant evening celebration, where the focus remained on the connection between the couple and their guests under the Mediterranean stars.
• The Cinematic Narrative: Valovideo provided the cinematography, utilizing a cinematic, light-filled approach that captured the movement of the sea and the intimate glances of the day into a world-class film legacy.

Capturing the Light: Letizia Di Candia

To document a wedding so focused on “Natural Light,” we collaborated with Letizia Di Candia. Her photography is celebrated for its ability to capture raw emotion with an editorial, fine-art sensibility. Every frame of Samantha and Philippus’s wedding—from the sun-drenched terrace ceremony to the intimate sunset portraits—feels like a high-fashion editorial, preserving the legacy of their coastal union with grace and clarity.

The Creative Team (Portfolio Credits)

• Planning & Design: [IWP Italian Wedding Planners / Sposiamovi]
• Venue: Villa Marigola, Liguria
• Photography: Letizia Di Candia (@letiziadicandiaphotography)
• Cinematography: Valovideo (@valovideo)
• Floral Design: Fior di Latte (@fiordilatteflowerdesign)
• Catering: Priscilla Eventi e Ricevimenti (@priscillaeventiericevimenti)
• Beauty: Jen Hair & Make up (@jen_hathaway)
• Cake Design: Lab Poets (@lab.poets)