Beginning the Journey

Beginning the Journey

As they started planning their big day, Tina Bai and Joe Rodonis were on the hunt for a venue with a unique story. "We love spaces that are rich in history," Tina shared. The couple, who reside in New York, initially considered various locations in the northern part of the state, known for its historical villas. However, with many guests traveling from afar—especially Tina's family from Shanghai—they quickly realized that asking everyone to make an additional long journey after arriving in New York was not feasible.

"We thought, where could we find a place that bridges the East and West?" Tina laughed. In the end, they settled on Tuscany—a picturesque region in Italy filled with lush fields and fern-filled forests.

The Magic Maker

They kicked off their planning by searching for a wedding planner rather than selecting a venue first. Tina and Joe interviewed several planners to find the right fit for their needs. "I wanted someone who could understand and respect our budget while also sharing their insights from experience," Tina revealed. Eventually, they met Silvia Bargagni from Magnolia Wedding Planner. "She knows the right people and vendors, and she has a fantastic sense of style," Joe said.

When it came to selecting vendors for catering and transportation, Silvia provided about four options for each category, along with her personal thoughts on each one. They realized that choosing the right wedding planner was the most crucial decision in their preparation process.

The Unique Venue of Villa Cetinale

Villa Cetinale, where the wedding took place, is a stunning 17th-century Baroque villa built by Fabio Chigi, who later became Pope Alexander VII. The villa boasts a beautiful garden that even Edith Wharton once wrote about. This location also made an appearance in the famous TV show "Succession."

They needed to secure their booking quickly, as Villa Cetinale is often fully booked. "When I sent the email, they were already booked for two years ahead," Tina recalled. Ultimately, they decided to put down a deposit right away to secure the spot they desired based on the images and videos they had seen.

Simplistic Yet Elegant

Tina and Joe adored the historic charm of their New York apartment but opted for a more minimalist style for their wedding. "We wanted a timeless feel, without an overload of vibrant flowers," Tina explained. The bridal bouquet was designed in soft shades of blue and white, featuring garden roses, irises, and delicate orchids.

They wanted the venue to shine on its own, without being overshadowed by overly ornate details. The banquet tables were simply adorned with elegant patterned tableware and soft white candles.

A Weekend Full of Festivities

The wedding events were spread from Sunday to Tuesday, with each day reflecting a different color of the Italian flag. The welcome event was a pizza party featuring red accents, while the wedding day was centered around white, and the final day featured a casual barbecue on the lawn, allowing guests to join in however they pleased.

Guests could drop by, enjoy the barbecue, and partake in poolside fun without any fixed schedule for the festivities.

Pre-Wedding Workout

Since Joe is a personal trainer and they met at the gym, the groom decided to organize a workout session on the morning of the wedding. He and the groomsmen ran around the 165-acre villa grounds and exercised before getting ready for the ceremony. Although Tina felt a bit envious of Joe's idea, they both enjoyed a cheerful breakfast together before the festivities began.

Infusing Wedding Vibes into Every Moment

The wedding was held in the stunning surroundings of Villa Cetinale, from the lush green fields to the artistic sculptures scattered around. The couple created a warm and intimate atmosphere for all their guests, showcasing their lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

With careful planning from the wedding planner and a thoughtful selection of the venue, every moment of the ceremony became an unforgettable memory.