When Leyna and Michael decided to tie the knot, they both wanted different things for their wedding day – Leyna wanted to elope overseas, while Michael wanted a celebration he could share with those closest to him. As a compromise, the Australian couple opted for an intimate destination wedding in Italy. They had no problem cutting down their guest list to 19 of their nearest and dearest, and were lucky enough to find an amazing Tuscan villa that could accommodate them all for a week. The owner of the villa took care of all the details so the newlyweds could relax and enjoy their day to the fullest in the gorgeous countryside surrounded by their family and friends – sounds like a pretty good compromise to us!

Special thanks to Lelia Scarfiotti for capturing all the special moments of Leyna and Michael’s wedding day and sharing them with us today.

Leyna, 29 & Michael, 29

Asciano, Tuscany, Italy

Wedding Date: September 24, 2014

Number of Guests: 19

Wedding Cost: $9,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: The Lazy Olive

Wedding Reception Location: The Lazy Olive

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

I never really dreamed of a big wedding and the thought of all that attention terrified me. When Michael and I got engaged I really wanted to elope and get married somewhere overseas just the two of us. Understandably, Michael wanted to share our special day with his closest friends and family so we decided to have an intimate overseas wedding in Italy.

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

The only challenge we had was finding the perfect setting for our special day. We wanted to find a Tuscan villa that was big enough to hold 22 people for a week. When we found The Lazy Olive, it was like a big weight was lifted off our shoulders. The Lazy Olive was really the perfect place to have our intimate wedding. The owner, Daniella, took care of everything, from hosting the rehearsal dinner to finding the perfect craft beer for the reception.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

No, we were very happy with the people who were there to share our day.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

We did not have any major issues with the small guest list. There were a few minor moments when people were upset that certain people weren’t invited, but in the end everyone was supportive of what we wanted.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Because we did all the legalities before arriving in Italy, we had Michael’s brother officiate the wedding. It was really special for Michael to have his brother up at the front with us, and there were lots of laughs and tears. My best friend also got up and shared a poem that she had written for us.

What were the highlights of the reception?

There were some killer speeches during dinner and some crazy dancing. Michael and I had heaps of fun dancing the night away! It was just lots and lots of fun as the week had been building up to this moment.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

The best thing was having all of our closest friends and family with us. We acknowledge that some people like large weddings, but the fact that everyone that was there were the closest people that we love made it that much more special.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Having an intimate wedding can annoy and offend a lot of people so make sure it is what you really want. You will be pressured to invite extended family and friends, which is understandable, so you have to stick to your plan.

Vendors:

Venue: The Lazy Olive, Asciano, Tuscany

Caterer: The Lazy Olive, Asciano, Tuscany

Photographer: Lelia Scarfiotti

Dress: Anna Campbell

Rings: Charles Rose

Officiant: Andrew Parkes

If the idea of having the sound of the ocean in your ears, sand seeping between your toes, the sun warming your back, and a sea breeze gently blowing your hair sounds extra dreamy to you, we think a beach wedding just might be in your future! And with drop-dead gorgeous details like these, why wouldn’t it be?

1. Sea Glass Place Card

We love sea glass and its muted frosty hues of blue, green and white. Add some pretty calligraphy and you have a super simple, yet gorgeous set of place cards for your guests.

2. Driftwood Arbors

With its beautifully gnarled appearance, we think driftwood – adorned with flowers or on its own – makes these arbors a rustic and romantic choice for any beach wedding.

3. Storm Lanterns

Whether you fill them with candles, flowers, or seashells, we love the look of different sized storm lanterns as altar decor.

4. Colorful Tassel Garlands

Why not add a festive flair to your beach wedding? These bright multicolored tassels are guaranteed to add a ton of cheer to your celebration.

5. Shipwreck Decor

There’s something romantic about the idea of a shipwreck on a deserted island. Play up your beach theme with broken down row boat filled with lush floral details.

6. Surfboard Seating Chart

If surfboards are more your speed than row boats, this creative seating chart is for you! We think it’s quite beautiful in its simplicity, don’t you agree?

7. Giant Clam Shells

Shells are a no-brainer when it comes to beach wedding decor, but giant clam shells are truly in a league of their own. With their beautifully scalloped edges and deep bowl shape, they make perfect vessels for large extravagant floral centerpieces.

8. Pillow Seating

Trying to balance and level chairs in the sand can be challenging, so why not get rid of them entirely? We think pillow seating is a much prettier and practical way to go.

9. Suspended Candles

If eating under the twinkling stars isn’t romantic enough for you, suspending candles above your table will make your reception space even dreamier.

10. Luxurious Draped Fabric Canopies

There’s just something about draped fabric blowing in the wind that suits itself so perfectly to a beach setting and adds the perfect luxurious touch to the outdoor space.

Save

Take a second to think of the weddings you have attended. Think about the memorable—and not so memorable—elements of each. Then remember the highlights and what was done right. You want your wedding to stand out from the rest, so how do you make your wedding the best wedding ever? We have a few ideas that will leave your guests amazed.

1. Surprises

Everyone will be amazed if you plan something that is totally unexpected–something that hasn’t been done at any other wedding. Hire an interesting entertainer, band, dancing lessons, portrait artists or try any of these unique reception ideas. Instead of a regular snack table, set up interactive food stations or a wine tasting. There’s always the fun option of starting your first dance off slow and then surprising everyone with a fast-paced group dance.

2. Entertainment options

The entertainment doesn’t have to be a complete surprise, as long as you have something for guests to do throughout the night. Think beyond dancing for people who aren’t so keen and have interactive elements, such as a photo booth, lawn games, table games or mad libs. For people who love the dance, make sure your DJ knows how to keep the crowd going with high energy songs–and that the bar isn’t too far away.

3. Short and sweet

Unfortunately, guests will also remember if they were bored at a wedding. One way to make sure things keep moving is to keep everything short and sweet. Keep the ceremony, speeches and toasts down to a short length. View your wedding through your guests’ eyes and think of ways you can keep them interested and engaged.

During the reception, make sure your guests are seated at a table with someone they know. If that’s not possible, put ice breakers on each table so people can get to know each other. Then keep the time between each event brief, so nothing feels like it’s dragging.

4. Keeping guests comfortable 

If possible, have a lounge area or patio seating at your reception, so guests can move around. Instead of having them sit in one place the whole night, give your guests opportunities to mingle. Also, make sure you keep everyone fueled and hydrated by providing enough drinks to keep them happy, coffee to keep them awake and snacks to keep them from leaving early. Late night snacks are also something people look forward to later in the evening; they may even stay longer if they know more food is coming.

5. Memorable and interesting

Lastly, having personal touches that are special to your wedding will make guests remember your wedding. Don’t feel like you need to personalize everything or break the bank to make everything memorable. A few personalized wedding details go a long way. Things like personalized napkins, homemade gifts, favor donation cards or customized puzzles will have people saying, “I totally want that at my wedding!”

Photo one: Lane Baldwin;

Save

Save

Cufflinks are a clever way to infuse a little fun and personality into your groom’s wedding attire. And they are the perfect gift for his groomsmen! We’ve rounded up ten of our faves from Etsy that are sure to make you smile.

A preppy, but classic look for a groom is the nautical look. Try a navy blue suit and these nautical anchor cufflinks by JujuTreasures for a groom who loves the open water.

We love what the designer of these animal cufflinks says about this style: “Your man is a trend setter. He doesn’t follow the rules, or follow the masses.” These bamboo wood animal cufflinks were created by OneHappyLeaf.

The neat thing about the glass dome cufflinks style is that you can put anything you like on the cufflinks, including photos, pictures and quotes like these typography cufflinks by BelugaHomeStudio.

Pick out cufflinks that are an ode to your groom’s favourite hobby or pop culture reference, like these fun Pacman video game cufflinks by StyledGents.

These typewriter keys cufflinks by KfiatekGiftedHands would make a nice gift for groomsmen so they all match. The letters are made from authentic typewriter keys. 

Those wedding photos where you see a peek at a fun wedding accessory like socks, suspenders or cufflinks like these legendary cufflinks by StampinOffThePath are always memorable.

For a groom who loves to travel, these world map cufflinks by ThePendantQueen are a classic piece to remember.

Make sure your groom never forgets the place you met, where you’re getting married or a special spot with these Latitude and longitude cufflinks by TheSilverDiva.

Steampunk is a trend that celebrates mechanics, technology and history all together into something interesting, like these gear cufflinks by TimeInFantasy.

Wood is traditionally a 5-year wedding anniversary gift, so you could consider saving a pair of cufflinks for a special anniversary, like these wooden cufflinks by OneHappyLeaf.

*This post includes Etsy Affiliate links

Married alone up in the woods of the San Bernardino Mountains on the day of the blood moon, Abby and Collin’s rustic wedding was the thing that elopement dreams are made of. With an overarching sense of calm to the day, the couple spent the morning of, hiking through the woods and around the lake, writing their vows, and getting ready at the Pine Rose Cabins before walking down the aisle together to the property’s private gazebo to become husband and wife. Together as newlyweds, they watched the red sun set on the mountains, and celebrated their union with a shot of honey bourbon. They capped off their magical wedding day with a private reception for two, and dancing beneath the stars. This sounds pretty dreamy to us!

Special thanks to Josh and Sam Arroyo for capturing Collin and Abby’s spectacular elopement and sharing the photos and video with us today!

Abby, 28 & Collin, 35

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Wedding Date: October 7th, 2014