We may not be able to plan our dream Italian destination weddings right now, but luckily for us, Aussie wedding vendors know a thing or two about beautiful style and bringing that European, Italian villa beauty back to Oz!

Today’s editorial, set in the beautiful winter region of the Hunter Valley at Casa La Vina, was designed, planned and styled by wedding planner Love Story Australia who specialises in Italian weddings, now determined to bring some of that European flavour home to Australia, says owner Hannah “I experienced first hand the devastation for multiple couples who had ploughed all their time, energy and vision into creating the perfect Italian destination wedding, only to find out it would not come to fruition. We wanted to create a shoot that allowed us to demonstrate, that with the right venue, vendors and attention to detail, couples can re-create something very similar in style here in Australia to what would have been their wedding overseas. ”

Also on team “Italian wedding” was photographer Jack Henry, and floral designer  Two Wild Hands. The flowers breathtaking combining tones of blue hydrangeas with peachy apricot toned roses in a stunning installation over the grand wooden doors,  that became a centrepiece for the editorial. Hannah explaining “We wanted to produce a wedding shoot that genuinely looked and felt like an Italian wedding. The Tuscany region of Italy is famous for its countryside and vineyards – given the location of the venue in Hunter Valley, it seemed fitting to incorporate a more Tuscan and rustic vibe to the styling.”

Our newlyweds, real-life couple Romina Artagaveytia and Wayne Layt were dressed by Karen Willis Holmes and Rembrandt. Hairstylist Simona Janek creating a softly swept up-do for Romina, to complement her soft peachy toned makeup, by artist Maria Gabriel.  The styling of the couple kept modern, yet utterly romantic – the perfect complement. Hydrangea blue invitations designed by Sara Sidari setting the scene for what was to come.

A wooden table from Opulent Events, bringing to life that Italian farmhouse vibe. The table set with coordinating soft peach blooms and linens, brass candleholders from Ashdown & Bee with sky blue candles, with Mis-En-Place by White Label Hire.  The Italian vibes brought to life even more clearly with delicious treats and an epic, the beauty of a cake by Ambrosia Food Creation topped with fresh roses and decadent figs. “The shoot included all those elements that you would find in an overseas wedding in Tuscany – olive oil bottle favours, naked wooden tables and cross back chairs, a rustic cake with figs, salamis and cheeses, wine barrels, etc.” explains Hannah, ” The table was more classically Italian with crystal glassware, gold cutlery, taper candles and stunning plates with accents of blue and gold to keep the style cohesive.”

Italy will forever stay in our dreams, but for now, settling, and embracing weddings in Australia, doesn’t look so bad at all.