All the antique, opulent drama of 19th century art + design. All the adventure of a romantic trip abroad. All the love + joy that comes with gathering your nearest and dearest together somewhere truly special. That’s what California-based couple Valentina + Trevor created when they planned their modern Victorian destination wedding at Villa Clarice in Porto San Giorgio, Italy.
Together with planner Nadia of Loving Marche Wedding the couple concentrated on curating an experience that felt rich, welcoming, and deeply theirs. “It was important for us to find a venue that felt intimate, inviting, and as if we were throwing the most glamorous house party!” the couple shares.
“Villa Clarice hands down took our breath away, with its hand painted frescos, ocean view, spectacular wine cellar where we held our dinner, and the owners’ quiet presence and kindness made the day even more special,” Valentina + Trevor say. “In a place already rich with so many memories and stories, we were grateful to add one of our own!”
The stunning photos you’ll see here by Paolo Manzi show a day composed of ivory + burgundy florals, gleaming silver candelabras, ornate beading, frescoed walls, historic architecture, and a “both-and” feeling of time traveling into history while simultaneously staying present in the beauty of the now.
“The celebration blended Victorian sophistication with Italian charm,” planner Nadia says of the destination day’s fresh-yet-historically-inspired aesthetic, “creating an unforgettable, storybook moment suspended between past and present.”
“The most important part of our wedding was to have everyone there in Italy with us,” Valentina + Trevor say. “That’s what mattered most.”
One of the stand-out elements of Valentina’s bridal look for us? Her beaded, blush-bow-adorned WEDDING GLOVES!!
“I wanted to find a look that was unique and timeless!” says Valentina of her approach to finding this beaded, strapless, elegant wedding dress. “So when I went to a new boutique up the street from me, I was thrilled to find this dress that was a part of their first collection that nobody had ordered.”
“I especially fell in love with the gloves that were cinched with a bow, the dresses’ slight pinkish tint, and the detailed beading.”
“It felt extra special to me that nobody else had it, like a one of a kind custom gown, perfect to match the villa.”
We spy a gorgeous, classic round cut engagement ring 😍💍
Also, so enchanted by Valentina’s long, quintessentially bridal wedding veil and the way she tucked it into that simple-yet-elegant slick back high bun wedding updo.
The Ceremony
“The ivory and burgundy palette shaped every detail, from the bride’s refined lace gown to the rich floral arrangements adorning the historic halls,” planner Nadia remembers.
Stunning Wedding Gloves That Make a Statement
Gloves that seriously have something to say 🎀
“Guests wandered through frescoed rooms and manicured gardens,” Nadia says, “where antique décor and candlelit tables evoked a romantic, old-world atmosphere.”
Just like Valentina, we love the way this dress includes subtle pink hues! Like in the gloves’ bows or that unique train!
Take a look through our collection of beautiful blush wedding dresses to add some rosiness to your bridal silhouette like Valentina did.
Our Musical Choices
ProcessionalTrevor walked down to "Heaven or Las Vegas" by Cocteau Twins, and I walked down to "Non Dimenticar" by Al CaiolaRecessional"Expressions of Affection" by Love, Warmth & Affection
The Reception
Groom Trevor’s style approach with this open collar wedding suit vibe was to keep it “simple yet classic.”
What a gentleman: “I didn’t want to steal Valentina’s spotlight,” Trevor says. Chivalry is alive and well!
What says historically inspired romance better than white taper candles in silver candelabras!
“Our food was one of the most amazing meals we have ever eaten!” the couple remembers fondly. “From the antipasto to the dinner, we are already dreaming of eating it all again. Our dinner included handmade pastas and the antipasto was traditional from our region, including fritti and local cheeses.”
We are such suckers for a love story that begins in a different wedding’s wedding party: “We met at a friend’s joint bachelor/bachelorette party!” Valentina + Trevor say.
“We immediately became good friends but didn’t start dating until after a year of friendship.”
Our Advice
Start early and have fun!
Do what feels special and important to you, not what others expect.
Take your time to find the right wedding planner! Our wedding planner Nadia was the reason we were able to have the wedding of our dreams. She understood the vision from day one, and suggested the best of the best! Even when we wanted to do some more research or have her suggest some other options, her first picks were always the best. She made everything easy and fun and we had total trust in her which made the day so stress free!
Obsessed with the fact that the couple held their reception banquet in the villa’s wine cellar! Just like this black + white Texas wedding!
The Italian wedding tradition of berry-adorned millefoglie cakes is so deliciously charming 🍓🫐
Check out this unique + elegant Italian wedding, this lovely Amalfi coast wedding, and this foggy + intimate English pub wedding for some other super sweet millefoglie moments.
Auguri, Valentina + Trevor! Your Victorian Modern wedding day was a total destination dream come true! GWS wishes you nothing but the best!
Wedding Vendors
Photography: Paolo Manzi // Venue: Villa Clarice // Wedding Planner: Loving Marche Wedding // Florals: Il fiore di Lia
