Wedding | Cinzia & Jose

Tell us a little about yourselves!

We met in London eight years ago, our first date was a concert. Since then, we’ve shared a love for trying things for the first time. New artists, new countries, new restaurants, new corners of the city. Over time, we realised that what we really wanted was to start repeating things, because doing them together was the part that mattered most.

We still live in London, not far from a forest (on purpose), and we share our life with Otis: a wildly loveable rescue dog from Spain. When we’re not travelling, we spend our time walking in the woods with him and taste-testing Pain Au Chocolat from all the best local bakeries. It’s the small rituals that feel like home.

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

We got married at Convento dell’Annunciata. From the start, we knew we wanted to be near Lake Garda, where Cinzia is from; mainly because her grandmother couldn’t travel and having her there meant everything to us.

We started by exploring venues along the lake, but when we visited the Convento (on a rainy day, no less) we immediately knew it was the one. The atmosphere was moody and magical in all the right ways. We’d always imagined a ceremony in the forest, and Cinzia had long dreamed of a single, long imperial table beneath the trees. The Convento held all of that and more: wild, romantic, and quietly timeless

How many guests did you have?

We had around 100 guests. Just the right number: intimate enough that we could connect with everyone, but big enough to keep the energy flowing. Since Jose and I are from different countries, our guest list ended up being beautifully eclectic. Seeing friends and family from so many nationalities gathered in one place felt rare and magic, like a little world of our own for the day.

What was your budget? 

We had a rough budget in mind, but our focus was really on allocating it toward what felt most meaningful to us. We were intentional with every choice: prioritising atmosphere, great food, and the people who helped bring it all to life.

Tell us about your outfits.

Cinzia: I always knew I didn’t want a traditional full gown. I had fun trying all sorts of dresses, some were beautiful but none of them quite clicked. I was looking for something elegant and essential, but with a bit of edge. Something that felt, me, not just “bridal.”

Funnily enough, the only appointment I went to alone ended up being the one. I visited The OWN Studio and instantly knew. It wasn’t just the dress, it was the whole environment: the vibe, the space, the brand’s entire concept. It all resonated. It felt contemporary and quietly confident, exactly how I wanted to feel that day.

Jose: I wanted something simple and beautifully made. My sister Ana is a pattern maker in a grand Maison in Paris, and she boldly took on the challenge of designing and creating the suit herself. It was hands down the best decision. She absolutely nailed it: it fit perfectly and felt incredibly personal. It was more than a suit; it was a gift.

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?

The most important thing for us was to stay true to ourselves. It’s so easy to go overboard, adding things just because it’s tradition, or because it’s what people might expect from a “wedding.” At the same time, there’s this desire to experiment and make it feel different, which can pull you in all kinds of directions.

Striking that balance was everything: honouring what felt meaningful, letting go of what didn’t, and creating something that actually reflected us, not just a Pinterest board version of a wedding. Our wedding planners absolutely got that. They held the vision with so much care and intention and managed to bring it all to life in ways we never would have imagined!

Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?

One of the most important things for us was bringing together the people we love, from different countries, cultures, and chapters of our lives, and creating a space where everyone could connect, celebrate, and feel part of something shared. That mix of worlds was really special to us.

And because our pets are part of our family, it felt only right to include them in the celebration too. It wouldn’t have been complete without them.

Any tips for couples getting married?

Enjoy the process and choose vendors you genuinely trust. It makes all the difference. When you know you're in good hands, you can actually feel the magic unfolding instead of micromanaging every detail.

We also can’t recommend a pre-wedding escape enough. Just a short one, a few days before. Stepping away helped us slow down, reconnect, and get grounded emotionally before everything began. It set the tone for the entire weekend.

Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?

We had the best experience with every single one of our vendors. If we could do it all over again, we’d choose them in a heartbeat.

None of it would have been possible without the magical touch of Ila Malù. We trusted them completely, and they delivered something beyond what we could have imagined. They just got us and managed to translate all the scattered ideas in our heads into something cohesive, elevated, and deeply personal. 

The florals by White Pepper Studio left us speechless. We knew the flowers would be stunning, but we weren’t prepared for just how breathtaking and original their work would be. We’ve truly never seen floral arrangements like that before. 

The food by Miramonti L’altro was unforgettable: elegant and flawless. We still think about it all the time (and so do our guests).

Nicoletta Subitoni captured the energy of the day with so much sensitivity. Nothing felt staged, yet every frame holds the kind of magic you can’t fake.

And then the music. Jack Page, Sam Notan, and Basile Petite. We’re huge fans of their work and having them perform at our wedding was surreal. Together they created a soundscape that carried the day so effortlessly. 

Giuditta at Giuditta Bedetti Studios also deserves a special mention. Not only did she do an incredible job with Cinzia’s hair and makeup, but she also brought this beautiful, calming energy to the morning. Her presence helped Cinzia feel grounded and present during those emotional hours before everything began.

And of course, Convento dell’Annunciata, what a place. Giovanni and Dario do such an incredible job caring for it. You feel it in every corner: the history, the soul, the intention.

Photographer: Nicoletta Subitoni @nicolettasubitoni | Planning, Styling & Stationery: Ila Malù @ilamalu | Flora: White Pepper Studio @whitepepperstudio | Ceremony & Reception Location: Convento dell’Annunciata @conventoannunciata | Celebrant: Cinza's Aunt | HMUA: Giuditta Bedetti Studio @giudittabedettistudio | Cake, Catering & Beverages: Miramonti L’altro @miramontilaltroeventi | Entertainment: (Live music) Jack Page @jackpagemusic, Sam Notman @sam.notman, Basile Petite @basilepetite & DJ Franco Maioli @francomaioli9 | Dress & Veil: The Own Studio @theownstudio | Suit: Custom made by Jose's sister | Lighting: Croval Service @croval.service | Engagement Ring: 

Tiffany&Co @tiffanyandco | Wedding Ring: Damiani from @damianiofficial Stevanella Gioielli 

@stevanella.gioielli | Shoes: Saint Laurent @ysl | Necklace: custom Stevanella Gioielli

@stevanella.gioielli