Wedding | Rachel & Patrick

Tell us a little about yourselves!

Rachel’s a producer within the fashion industry and Patrick’s an Architect both working in London, yet living in the Sussex countryside. Our weekends are centred around entertaining friends and family; you’ll either find us gathered around our dining table with a bottle of Italian wine (post an Aperitif: Beer/Negroni / Dirty Martini), or heading out in search of the next new restaurant opening – we love a date night!

We also love getting creative in the kitchen (often through a fair amount of trial and error), and some of our favourite moments are the simplest – sharing a bottle of wine in the evening, listening to music and inevitably dancing around to the sounds of Blur.

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

Italy has always held a special place in our hearts, from our earliest trips to Umbria, to city breaks in Rome, where we got engaged – we’ve always shared a huge appreciation for the culture, cuisine, and wine of course.

The decision itself felt almost serendipitous… back in 2020, we had planned a wine-fuelled road trip through the rolling hills of Tuscany, to celebrate a milestone birthday. Five years later, we found ourselves returning to one of those very stops (Dievole) but this time, surrounded by our closest family and friends, newly announced as husband and wife.

In March 2024, after narrowing fifty venues down to the final ten, we took ourselves away to Italy for the most important recce of our lives. Arriving in Chianti, we drove along a cobbled road, lined with Cypress trees, of which opened out on to the vineyards… we knew we had found somewhere special. We wondered through the vines, explored the grounds, and descended into the wine cellars, learning about the eight centuries of history, that define Dievole, before finishing with lunch at the Novecento Restaurant.

For anyone who knows us, will understand that food and wine is the centre of our relationship, so as we sat down to peruse the menu, everything just started falling into place. There was a quiet excitement – cacio e pepe, wild mushrooms, boar ragu – all of our favourite ingredients. We shared a beef carpaccio (knowing that wherever we married, steak had to be on the menu, so this felt like the perfect test) followed by guinea fowl cappellacci – we were completely blown away!

Throughout the trip, we’d secretly set ourselves a small challenge: if tiramisu was on the menu, we had to try it. That day, we had the best tiramisu we had ever tasted – that was the sign. No over thinking: no convincing needed… the tiramisu sealed the deal: this is where we’d say “I do”.

Food and wine became the foundation of the entire celebration. We wanted to share with our favourite people what we love most – and create something generous [with a classic Italian menu – 4 x courses], indulgent and deeply personal. Every course, every dish and every pour was chosen to reflect us as a couple: from a prosciutto leg carved during our Aperitivo hour, to handmade pastas, Fiorentina steak, finishing off with the famous tiramisu and copious bottles of limoncello – and a delicious evening bar serving our favourite: The Negroni.

More than anything, we wanted our guests to feel the joy and emotion we have always found around the dinner table – that sense of togetherness, of slowing down and truly being present – which has defined our relationship from the very beginning.

How many guests did you have?

Our wedding was intimate and personal: 72 guests who made the day feel extremely warm and wholesome, providing so much energy, helping to create those unforgettable moments. We are so thankful and grateful that our nearest and dearest travelled to Italy – having everyone altogether in one place was such a dream – when does that ever happen!

What was your budget?

Managing budgets at work is easy – it’s someone else’s money! Ours? Not so much!

We didn’t focus too hard on the figures (which was probably our downfall – but hey, we live each day as if it’s our last!) yet instead, we focused on creating a day that reflected us as a couple. Every decision – from the venue to the food, wine, imagery, design and sounds – was a reflection of us. It was less about cost and more about the memorable moments, of which would last a lifetime.

Tell us about your outfits.

Rachel: To be completely honest, I found wedding dress shopping extremely challenging – the pressure to find ‘the dress’ as a bride, was so overwhelming. Then I met Kate Halfpenny, and everything changed. Kate made the process unforgettable and joyous, bringing a sense of calm and confidence of which filled me with ease, and for the first time, real excitement!

The first dress I tried on [was a wild card – might I add] exceeded all expectations. For the first time, I felt confident as a bride. The Poise dress from the balance collection, was a design that couldn’t be anymore ‘me’ if it tried. The volume, the pleats, and the mechanical [hidden] structure underneath, delivered drama, technique and so much thought – the dress of dreams really was created by a genius!

Kate and I collaborated extensively, adjusting the colour of the fabric, adding carefully designed, puffy, taffeta sleeves: a non-negotiable accessory [if you know me you know how much I love a BIG sleeve]. The look was completed with a tremendous simple veil, that extended beyond the train – I was a bride, eek!

Patrick: Weekends were consumed with numerous trips to London, strolling up and down Saville Row trying to find a tailor, that best suited me and spoke my language [without hitting me with hefty bill just because James Bond wore a similar suit to a premiere]. We knew very early on that we’d love to have a black tie style wedding, so initially I thought “how hard could a tuxedo be to find”? From the various lapels, the ranges and differences of the colour black (mad right) to the different materials consisting of wool and silk, to the pleats vs textured shirts – safe to say I learnt a lot. Whilst our budget didn’t cover a bespoke suit, I knew I wanted flexibility and customisation to make it personal – then I came across Fielding & Nicholson Tailoring.

The team were extremely accommodating and educating, walking me through the different routes and formalities of suit etiquette. They helped me to understand the different materials, and weights to best suit our wedding style [making a black-tie wedding, in the early weeks of September in Italy, doable without melting away]. F&N made the whole experience extremely smooth, and a lot easier than anticipated. We discussed the idea of a made-to-measure suit, customising the style, shape and finish of the pockets and seams on the jacket and trousers, along with having full flexibility on the style and shape of the waistcoat which was really important to me, as I had envisioned a particular design – the horseshoe. We finished off with personalisation, having our dates embroided inside the breast of the jacket, adding that special memento to the suit, allowing me to reminisce each and everytime I wear it. I couldn’t have asked for better service throughout the process.

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

Great food and drink (copious amounts of wine – we didn’t want to see any empty glasses) were of course, at the centre of every hour of the day. It was the most important aspect to us, but we feel like we’ve written a whole story on this already… so, our next important element would have been the music – the sounds that have followed us through different stages of our 11yr relationship.

We wanted live music to run throughout the entire weekend – setting the tone and mood, carrying the energy from one celebration and moment, to the next. It began with an Italian swing band at our welcome dinner the night before, followed by strings during both the ceremony and aperitivo hour before seamlessly transitioning into the evening where an eight-piece band took over – bringing incredible energy – they were such a vibe!

Is it also cringe to say, style?

As both of our careers revolve around detail and design, we wanted to bring this into our wedding – meaning nothing was left unplanned or not considered [we’d like to think]. From personalised name tags on the doors of our guest’s hotel rooms, to schedules, welcome signs, ribbons on the chairs, call sheets [yes – don’t act surprised], colour co-ordination from stationary to florals… even the candles – Diptique’s Feu De Bois – green – to compliment the vines.

Not to say it wasn’t considered… but whilst we debated a gazebo and whether it was / wasn’t going to be needed, we decided to sack it off as the weather forecast looked to be dry – of course it rained (but that’s good luck right?). So, the only area where we lucked out (and hadn’t planned), was the fact that the winery had white umbrellas! Having Melody Joy capture this moment, will forever be one of our favourite parts of the day… all of our guests huddled under white umbrellas, within the rolling hills of Tuscany, eating the steak in the rain… it was just magical.

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

Putting monetary aspects aside, we decided very early on that we wanted to write our own vows – it was very important to us. There is no greater moment to truly declare your love for each other, than standing in front of the people we love, whom have supported and championed us since day one – and it’s something we will carry with us forever. We had our vow booklets beautifully designed by Danielle Bleuse, and they now sit safely tucked away in the wine box alongside our wedding wine, waiting to be revisited on our first anniversary – a [Italian] tradition we’ll continue for each and every year we’ve been married.

We have such appreciation for our friends and family, and knew that having an international wedding, would be a struggle for some – so whilst we toasted those unable to travel (Rachel’s wonderful grandparents, and some close friends of ours), we also remembered those who are no longer with us yet, who played a massive part in both of our lives and our relationship, with an ode to them on our ‘order of service’.

And we are so glad we managed to get a Tiramisu cake – after a lot of back and forth deliberating whether it was needed (neither of us are a massive cake fan, or have a sweet tooth) we pressed the f**k it button and agreed to have it – one of the best decisions we made!

Any tips for couples getting married?

Patrick: Buy two shirts, just in case anything happens – it’s good to have a back up! Oh, get a videographer – we’ve rewatched our wedding video about 40+ times already! It’s so good to relive it.

Rachel: Purchase more confetti than you think you’ll need – and for international weddings, be sure to pop the items you need for the day itself, in your hand luggage, just in case (and get some Apple Air tags).

But collectively, just enjoy each stage of wedding planning, as it really does go way too fast – and be sure to take time for yourselves on the day itself – don’t worry, your guests will be having fun – after all, you’ve just thrown a great party!

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

We truly loved and appreciated every vendor involved. They all contributed in making our wedding weekend one to remember. But, we couldn’t speak more highly of our venue, Dievole. The team went above and beyond for us – always accommodating our (often numerous) requests with patience, and care, offering support throughout the planning process and the weekend itself. Building that relationship meant that, over time, we were able to let go, solely putting our trust into them – [which isn’t easy for control freaks] – and simply enjoy the moment from planning, through to the weekend. From the incredible food and wine to the thoughtful touches i.e. allowing us to have our own Fiorentina steak, and our own bottle of Brunello di Montalcino at dinner, to a bespoke Tiramisu cake for 72 guests. We are just so extremely appreciative and couldn’t have dreamed of a more perfect weekend!

We do also have to mention Melody Joy, our photographer (turned friend, confidant, and emotional support sister), who captured our wedding weekend so beautifully. Her work is exceptional – the tone, the colour grading, and the atmosphere and emotion – everything felt so considered and true to us as a couple. Her documentary style approach allowed the day to unfold naturally, whilst sill capturing every detail, from the intimacy of quiet moments to the scale of the setting (including the most incredible drone shots, of our venue). We couldn’t have asked for better images to look back over and reminisce – extremely grateful to you Melody Joy, the kindest most talented soul out there!

Photographer: Melody Joy @Melodyjoyco | Planning: Wedding in Wonderland (Rosy Strati) @wedding

inwonderland_uk | Flora: Le Petit Jardin @Lepetitjardinitaly | Videographer: Soby Films @Sobyfilms | Ceremony & Reception Location: Dievole Wine Resort @Dievole | Celebrant: Bonnie & Luca @weddingcelebrantsitaly | Lighting: @Namida_elegantevents | MUA: Mattie White @Mattiewhite_

makeup | Hair: Tommy Taylor @Tommytaylorhair | Catering, Cake & Beverages: Dievole Wine Resort @Dievole | Stationery: Danielle Bleuse @daniellebleuse | Entertainment: Chiara Trallori Music @chiaratrallorimusicplanner; The Gloves Band @theglovesband | Dress, Sleeves & Veil: Halfpenny London @Halfpennylondon | Suit: Fielding & Nicholson Tailors @fieldingandnicholson | Shoes: Jimmy Choo @jimmychoo (Bride); (Groom) Christian Louboutin @christianlouboutin | Jewellery: Celine @celine | Cufflinks: Paul Smith @paulsmith