Wedding | Sophie & Chris

Tell us a little about yourselves!

We met at a DJ show in downtown Los Angeles, just as things were picking up again post-COVID. Our groups happened to be standing next to each other, and we naturally struck up a conversation. We quickly bonded over our mutual love of music, travel, history, and shared experiences of living in LA. After three and a half years together, we tied the knot.

Chris is originally from Portland, Oregon, and Sophie is from Shanghai, China. We live in Los Angeles with our dog, Kona.

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

We always felt that the venue would be the most important part—if we chose the right one, half the work would be done. So we invested a lot of time researching.

With Sophie’s family in China and Chris’s in the U.S., we settled on the idea of a destination wedding in Europe. We wanted to turn it into an extended holiday with our closest family and friends. Our goal was to find a venue that could double as accommodation for 20+ guests. We came across Villa Merlo Nero on Airbnb and were immediately captivated by the idea of reception dinner in front of its Italian maze garden. Plus, its location just outside downtown Florence made it very convenient for guests not staying with us.

How many guests did you have?

We had 42 guests, with half staying at the villa. It truly felt like an extended vacation filled with day-to-night celebrations.

Though some close friends and family couldn’t attend due to the destination, the size ended up being perfect—intimate yet lively. We were able to spend quality time with everyone and ensure they felt welcomed.

Our goal was to keep it relaxed and personal—no bridesmaids or groomsmen, just a joyful gathering with good food, music, and shared moments.

What was your budget? 

We were of the mind that either we don’t do a wedding, or we do it right. We had a budget but quickly went over it. 

Tell us about your outfits.

Sophie’s main gown and dinner dress are custom made in China. Her after-party dress is from Rosie Etienne. Chris rented his tux.

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

Aside from the venue and food, music was hugely important to us—we’re both big music lovers and that’s how we met. We curated playlists for each part of the day: ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and the dance party. The songs chosen for key moments—like walking down the aisle or our first dance—now hold such special meaning.

We were also really mindful of the day’s flow. We tried to see everything from our guests’ perspective and intentionally paced each segment to make sure the day felt seamless and never long or overwhelming.

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

We wanted the wedding to embody the spirit of an Italian summer—citrus accents, vibrant blooms, bright colors, and of course, plenty of spritz! From our Save the Dates to the invitations and name cards, we wove in details that captured the vibe of a Tuscan getaway. Our florist nailed our vision — we loved the playful addition of fruit and how everything came together so beautifully.

Any tips for couples getting married?

Do your research and be prepared—but don’t over-stress. Trust your instincts and your partner’s, and know that it will all come together in the end.

We didn’t have a planner and didn’t visit the venue or meet our vendors until the day before the wedding. While that could’ve been nerve-wracking, we actually enjoyed being hands-on. Sophie spent a lot of time looking for ideas from Etsy, Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok to build a clear visual style for our “Italian Spritz” theme.

Pay attention to the small details—they really do make a difference. Be vocal about what you like and don’t like, and trust your vendors to bring your vision to life.

Most importantly: forget the “rules.” We skipped traditions that didn’t resonate with us—no bridal party, no unnecessary formalities. Focus on what brings you joy and make the day your own.

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

Our photographers, Carlotta and Gianluigi from We.Wedding Photography, were incredible. Communication leading up to the day was easy and reassuring. We told them we wanted candid, in-the-moment shots—something a little raw and real—and they absolutely delivered. We even snuck off for a quick 45-minute shoot at Piazzale Michelangelo during the aperitivo hour, and it was one of our favourite moments of the day.

Photographer: We.Wedding Photography @we.weddingphotography | Day of coordination: Above & Beyond Tuscan Weddings @aeb_tuscanweddings | Flora: Fede Floral Design @fedefloraldesign | Ceremony & Reception Location: Villa Merlo Nero @villamerlonero.florence | Catering & Beverages: II Sorriso Ricevimenti @ilsorrisoricevimenti | Entertainment: NVR DJ @nvr_djs_for_party | Ceremony & Reception Dress: Custom made | Third Dress: Rosie Etienne | Engagement & Wedding Rings: 

(Bride) Earth’s Treasury & (Groom) Blue Nile