Married September 30th, 2022 in Siena, Italy at the stunning 13th century Castello Di Celsa, bridal designer Justin Alexander Warshaw (Justin is the CEO + Creative Director of Justin Alexander) and Kelsey Anne Turchi welcomed family and friends to a weekend of love and luxury. Their weekend celebration included a welcome party featuring a Tuscan wine tasting, a castle ceremony and a reception, followed by a post-wedding pool party! The couple hired wedding planner Luba Gankin of Primavera Dreams, who specializes in Tuscan weddings, so she was able to introduce the two to tons of incredible vendors – like the fabulous florist Flowers Living! Together, everyone was able to bring to life a modern, elegant and minimal aesthetic that drew on the natural beauty and character of Siena and its medieval roots. Your guys’ jaws are going to DROP!
Kelsey and Justin first met at an event in 2019 in New York City but did not have their first date until a year later in January 2020 after a chance meeting. Shortly after, the Covid-19 pandemic hit and the couple’s relationship took off. The new couple spent their days cooking, picking up new hobbies and working remotely while escaping to upstate New York and Kelsey’s home state of Georgia. In early 2021, while skiing in Jackson Hole, Justin proposed to Kelsey while sightseeing at the Trenton Point Turnout.
Ok, ready to see these gorgeous shots by David Bastianoni? Let’s have at it! ❤️
The Welcome Party
Bride Kelsey wore five custom bridal looks which were all a surprise to Justin! Kelsey worked directly with the Chief of Design and Merchandising Director of Justin Alexander to create the five custom looks which she wore throughout the three-day celebration.
She started with a custom Viktor & Rolf mariage pantsuit for the Welcome Party, leaning into the 60s-inspired look with her hair, makeup, and accessories.
The Castle Venue
We asked the couple about their destination wedding and why they chose this Italian venue specifically!
“We both always wanted a destination wedding and after discussing our options we felt Italy was the perfect choice due to Kelsey’s heritage, and my love of the country (who doesn’t love Italy?!). We got married at Castello di Celsa in Sovicille, Italy which dates back to the 13th century. We had seen seven venues and didn’t quite feel like we found the one, so stopped at Castello di Celsa on a whim on our way back to Rome. We knew immediately that it was the perfect venue. The castle and grounds have so much character and history, and there’s a sweetness in the air as mint grows wild in the area. It is a very special place, and our guests were blown away by the beauty and charm.”
The couple shares that in lieu of paper invitations, they invited our guests via Paperless Post and put the money saved towards a donation to Vow for Girls. They still wanted to personalize the digital invites, and some other party favors, so they worked with Laura Wright on some custom illustrations. Laura made a handful of physical invitation suites for the couple (as seen above!) that they shared with their parents and siblings as keepsakes.
All in the details!
For the wedding ceremony, Kelsey wore a custom Justin Alexander Signature gown with long sleeves,
deep v in the front and back, hand-placed beaded lace and exposed boning. She wanted something
that was timeless, yet modern and fit well with the charm of the castle, and was so happy with how
the dress turned out!
The most special surprise was the hand-placed embroidery throughout the dress in Justin’s handwriting.
This veil is absolutely beautiful! Wondering whether or not a veil is for you? We’ve answered the question for you!
Cheers gentlemen! 🍻
Justin wore a Ralph Lauren Tuxedo featuring an ivory shawl jacket, Black silk Ralph Lauren bowtie, Tiffany & Co. Poppy brooch and Louboutin shoes.
For the afterparty, he swapped his jacket, bowtie and shoes to a black Ralph Lauren jacket, Alexander McQueen bowtie and Jordan 1 Retro High Travis Scott Mocha sneakers. The poppy brooch and Travis Scott Jordan 1s were wedding gifts from Kelsey. He wore his grandfather’s Jaeger Lecoultre watch.
The Meaningful First Look
The couple decided on a first look because they wanted to enjoy cocktail hour with their guests, plus limit the tears during the ceremony! (Smart!!)
They did the first look outside the castle. It was actually drizzling when the two started the first look and by the time Justin reached Kelsey, the clouds parted and the sun came out. So magical!!
Justin shared with us that it was a huge adjustment, typically designing the bride’s look, to be surprised by what bride Kelsey would wear down the aisle! However he returned the surprise by sneakily adding handwritten embroidered notes on her ceremony dress and veil. Justin was not involved in any of Kelsey’s fittings to ensure each look would be seen for the first time on their wedding day.
We asked the two if they were to give their wedding theme a name, what would they have called it?
“We really wanted to lean into the natural beauty, history and character of the castle, as well as
Italian traditions. Our wedding theme can be described as The Garden of Love with a color palette of soft blushes, neutrals and lots of greenery.”
Probably the first look because from then on the night became a blur, and we truly enjoyed every second! We had been reminded by friends and family to savor every second and we really did.
The Perfect Outdoor Ceremony
Straight out of a fairytale?! We think YES!
Better yet the cloud and fog parted for just enough time for the couple to enjoy their ceremony!
Kelsey walked down the aisle to a live string quartet rendition of Anyone by Justin Bieber. From the couple, “We were jamming to this song in Jackson Hole right before the proposal so it’s very special to us.”
We love that! Need an idea for a song to walk down the aisle? We have 91 Songs to Walk Down the Aisle To.
“We incorporated a few traditions from both of our backgrounds in the ceremony. Specifically, we did the stomping of the glass to honor my Jewish upbringing. I wore my grandfather’s Jaeger Lecoultre watch. Kelsey incorporated lace from her mother’s gown on her bouquet and wore her grandmother’s ring on her right ring finger.”
Married at last! These bridesmaids couldn’t be happier for the two!
The Bride’s Second Look
For dinner and the first dance, the new bride wore a modified Bobbie dress from the Justin Alexander
Signature SS23 collection. She recalls:
“We actually had a different dress designed for my second look, but I stopped into the SS23 shoot and knew I had to try on the Bobbie once I saw it. Justin designed this dress himself and it’s his favorite design, so I was very proud to be the first bride to wear the Bobbie!”
J + K chose the traditional millefoglie wedding cake that they helped make with the chef for their guests!
The Unforgettable Reception
“Find Someone Like You” by Snoh Alegra was the couple’s first dance song. They felt this song was true to them and how they felt about waiting to find the right person to share life with. How sweet!!
After the first dance, their guests framed the exit from the dance floor in sparklers, and the two snuck away to change into their party outfits!!
“Once the dance party was in motion, I snuck away and slipped into a short custom, Justin Alexander Signature dress. I loved the halter neckline, low back, exposed bodice and sparkle on this dress! The perfect dancing dress!”
If you can, hire a wedding planner who can help you stay organized and link you with great vendors that will ultimately help execute your wedding vision. A good team can adapt on the fly to changing weather conditions or hiccups that may occur throughout the day. Try not to let the things outside of your control affect your experience negatively.
The Custom Look for The Morning After Brunch
For brunch, I wore a custom Lillian West crop top and sheer skirt featuring a unique lace throughout.
Congrats you two lovebirds! Thanks so much for sharing your magical day with us and we wish you both the best!!
photography: David Bastianoni Studio // venue name: Castello di Celsa, Sovicille, Province of Siena, Italy // planning: Primavera Dreams // florals: Flowers Living // wedding dress: Custom with handwritten notes by Justin on the dress and veil // bride's shoes: René Caovilla // bride's ring: Castle Couture Fine Jewelry // bridesmaid dresses: The Dessy Group // getting ready robes: Flora Nikrooz // hair stylist: Cherie Spisso // makeup artist: Cherie Spisso // groom attire: Ralph Lauren // groom's shoes: Christian Louboutin // groom's ring: Ward Benjamin Jesse Strootman // videography: Waterfall Visuals // paper goods: LOinLONDON // catering: Guidi Lenci // Welcome Party HMU: Giulia Di Terlizzi // Entertainment/Sound/Lighting: Kaleydo // Planning Assistant: Diana Daros // Brides Welcome Party Outfit: Viktor and Rolf // Bride’s Reception Look: Modified Bobbie by Justin Alexander Signature // Bride’s Party Dress: Custom Justin Alexander Signature // Bride’s Brunch Look: custom : Lillian West Wedding Dresses // Bride's Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
WOW – what a setting. Love the colours too. Thx for the share!