Wedding | Mimi & Joe

Tell us a little about yourselves!

Joe and I met in Los Angeles, CA where we currently reside. We worked at the same company but remained friends at first. Joe took me on our official first date at a local Italian restaurant during the pandemic and we have been together for almost five years. We often joke that Leo, my dog, was our matchmaker because he developed a bond with Joe that couldn’t be broken. 

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

I always had a feeling that I wouldn’t have a traditional wedding. Once we got engaged and started researching, eloping in Italy just felt right. We explored a few options in the US close to home but there was something so romantic about Italy that drew us in. We ultimately chose Hotel Le Fontanelle, located in the Chianti region of Tuscany. Every corner of the property is absolutely stunning. 

How many guests did you have?

It was just us two, bride and groom! 

Tell us about your outfits.

We got ready in separate rooms since Joe wanted to keep my dress a surprise until our vows. To get ready, I wore a Doen nightgown with delicate blue detailing. My dress was a Dana Harel gown purchased at Loho Bride. I couldn’t stop thinking about it as soon as I tried it on. I always dreamed of wearing a big lace gown on my wedding day. My shoes were Jimmy Choo, I wore platforms to make up for our height difference. My veil was from Jane Rhyan. Our jewelry was custom designed with the jeweler we work with in Downtown Los Angeles. Joe wore a classic black tuxedo by Zegna. 

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

It was important to us that the day was only about our love with no other distractions that throwing a big event or party might bring. We wanted to stay true to ourselves and not make any decisions to please anyone else on that day.

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

Since our family and friends were not present, it was important for us to honor our parents in some way. We brought framed photos of our parents from their wedding days that we had in our rooms while we were getting ready. We owe everything to them and wanted to make sure we felt their presence in some way. 

Despite eloping, we still wanted to do a first dance. Kacey Musgraves is one of our favorite artists and we danced to her cover of Can’t Help Falling in Love.

Any tips for couples getting married?

Try to imagine how you want to feel the day you get married. It’s unique to every couple. Listen to what is most important to you and the rest will all fall into place. 

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

I couldn’t recommend our photographer, Daina Hazel, and planner, Ravizza Experiences, enough. Planning something in another country where you can’t be present to meet vendors in person or see things for yourself comes with a lot of unknowns. Daina put me at ease throughout the entire process. She was so thoughtful and thorough. By the end of the night, we felt like we had just gained two new friends in Daina and Lorenzo.

Photographer: Daina Hazel @daina.hazel | Planning: Ravizza Experiences @ravizza__ | Flora, Ceremony & Reception Location: Hotel Le Fontanelle @fontanellestate | Rentals: Slowhills Tuscany @slowhills | HMUA: Alena Bezrodna (Bezal) @bezal_makeup | Dress: Dana Harel @danahareldesign | Suit: Zegna @zegna | Veil: Jane Rhyan @janerhyanthecollection | Getting Ready Outfit: Doen @shopdoen | Shoes: Jimmy Choo @jimmychoo