This Black Tie Destination Wedding in Tuscany Was an Intimate, Multicultural Dream

It was Hinge that first brought Kimberly + Shahrukh together, and thanks to the app working its magic, their love story led to this luxe and intimate destination wedding in the heart of Tuscany. 

Together with planners and event designers from Wiskow & White, Kimberly + Shahrukh dreamed up an international 70-person celebration at Villa di Ulignano with a ceremony in the breathtaking open air ruins of San Galgano Abbey. The colors were warm. The venue was unforgettable. And the elegant black tie event had an elevated yet joyful air.

Celebrating the multi-faith and multicultural elements of their relationship was a super important part of planning for Kimberly + Shahrukh. The wedding weekend started off with a Pithi ceremony before the rehearsal dinner to celebrate Shahrukh’s Pakistani roots. And to honor Kimberly’s African-American heritage the bride + groom jumped the broom at the end of the ceremony.

We can’t wait to show you the beautiful photos that Colin Ross Photography took of Kimberly + Shahrukh’s sophisticated Italian day!

Andiamo!

Kimberly + Shahrukh’s “Pithi and Prosecco” welcome event was their way of including traditional Pakistani wedding traditions in their epic wedding weekend. Guests wore South Asian clothing for the pre-wedding Pithi ceremony and then headed into the rehearsal dinner!

A Stunning Ceremony

This venue 😍 Prepare to fall in love.

Our Musical Choices
			
Processional: "Yellow" by Coldplay
			
			
Recessional: Game of Thrones theme
			
			
First Dance: "Iris" by The Goo Goo Dolls
			
		

Definitely check out our list of the 91 songs to walk down the aisle to if you’re still searching for a song epic enough for this magical moment.

Kimberly + Shahrukh created a ceremony that resonated with both of their religious identities. The church’s traditional cross-shaped layout was a meaningful nod to bride’s faith.

 San Galgano Abbey is more than just a breathtaking wedding venue. The historic location also functions as the town hall for the town of Chiusdino. So Chiusdino’s mayor officiated Kimberly + Shahrukh’s wedding!

We LOVE the inventive way that Kimberly + Shahrukh seated their guests around the runway-style aisle! Check out our tips on how to get creative with ceremony seating if you like the idea of reworking the traditional wedding ceremony setup.

L’Oasi Floral Designer was created the day’s unique and opulent florals in rich reds, browns, creams, and pinks.

Don’t miss our list of the 36 best destination weddings in the most incredible locations if Kimberly + Shahrukh’s Italian adventure has you feeling inspired.

Kimberly explored nine different bridal boutiques on her journey to the stunning plunge neck off-the-shoulder Rea dress from Pronovias. When she and her parents visited Bridals by Aimée and showed Aimée herself a picture of the wedding’s unique destination location Aimée suggested this gorgeous, classic gown, and the rest is history! We are totally obsessed with the elegant pearl details on the shoulders and neckline!

Kimberly’s custom cathedral-length lace-edged veil from Rosa Clará was nonstop bridal romance.

This chic black tie wedding party found their elegant looks at Show Me Your Mumu and The Black Tux.

Cocktail Hour

“I’m obsessed with charcuterie boards,” says Kimberly, “so for the cocktail hour the idea was “massive charcuterie board,” and that’s what we got. Live cutting of prosciutto, a huge variety of cheeses, and so much more.”

Caridad the Painter was on hand creating a priceless wedding day memento for the couple in real time.

Guests were serenaded with live Motown music on sax while they sipped their drinks.

Explore our collection of the most stunning champagne bridesmaid dresses to recreate this bridal party’s chic neutral vibe.

Tuscan Sunset Portraits

Before they headed to Italy, Kimberly + Shahrukh had a civil ceremony to make things official in the US, and they didn’t miss the chance to do something special with that moment, too. “I had my mom’s wedding gown remade and surprised her at City Hall,” says Kimberly. “After we took photos we went to a French cafe in Atlanta for drinks and dessert. It was at that moment I realized, we could’ve just had that and our wedding would’ve still been magic.”

Kimberly’s elegant half up half down wedding day hair was done by stylist Karina, and her glowy glam makeup look was the work of makeup artist Jamillah.

A Romantic Reception

This intimate courtyard reception is a twinkly dream ✨

All-white table linens paired with rich floral centerpieces created a luxe + elevated atmosphere.

After the ceremony, Kimberly changed into the glamorous Garance gown from Watters Designs which she paired with some Jimmy Choo heels.

And to add some operatic flair, a tenor serenaded the happy couple during dinner!!

Is it even Italy if you’re not sipping espresso??

Our Advice To Those Planning Now
From the bride: When people say you won't notice the details that aren't right, if you're Type A, that's not true. The one thing that IS true, is that it won't matter. It'll be the best day of your life and you and your partner will laugh about the things that go wrong later. I wanted a candle lit dinner but every time they went to light the candles, the wind literally blew them out. The dinner was STILL everyone's favorite part.

Kimberly says: “Your wedding’s about celebrating your love with the people who love you most. You can do it anywhere in the world and it’ll be perfect (but Italy was pretty awesome haha)!”

Do not miss the stunning, cinematic wedding video that Wild Oak Films created!

Congrats, Kimberly + Shahrukh, on your luxe and intimate Tuscan destination wedding! Wishing you both so much happiness!