Colorful Romantic Italy Wedding

“Shortly after getting engaged Jason (my fiance) and I discussed the option of getting married in Italy. It had always been a dream of his to get married in there. I was tossed up about if I wanted the opportunity of a lifetime to get married in the most romantic country or if I wanted a big wedding at home in the states with my family and friends. After much discussion and weighing out the pros and cons we were bound for Italy!

I initially went into planning our wedding on my own. How hard could it be? To me, our wedding felt more like a glorified dinner with our closest family and friends so there shouldn’t be too much to plan. I started looking for venues, photographers, makeup artists, etc. I learned quickly it was not as easy as I in-visioned to plan a wedding overseas. I needed a wedding planner! ….. Enter in my fairy Godmother Margarita (Margo) Khrapach with Dolce Vita Wedding Agency.

From the first contact I had with Margarita at Dolce Vita I knew I was in great hands and I made the right choice with hiring her to plan my special day. Our time change was a 12-hour difference and I loved that she was always quick and kind to respond at all hours of the day. I was so anxious to get things planned and felt like I needed to do somethings on my own so I felt like I was involved in the planning from thousands of miles away. That was a HUGE mistake!

I found my own photographer and hair/makeup artist on Instagram. I shared their information with Margo and she shared her thoughts of them after seeing some of their work and reviews. She was not impressed with the woman I hired for hair and makeup. Unfortunately, I did not take her advise and look for another artist. I had already hired the above-mentioned professional and paid for all of her services upfront.

We were scheduled for a trial hair and makeup on October 1st, but a few days before the wedding, I received an email from my hair/makeup artist that she would not be able to provide me with her services because of the sudden death in her family. She offers me two of her assistants to come and do my hair and makeup but there would not be a trial.

I lost my father not too long ago so I completely understood and was empathetic for the loss. I immediately contacted my wedding planner Margarita and told her what was going on. She asked me to give her a few hours, and hours later I spoke with Margo and she said she lined up a new makeup artist, Irina. Her husband Kir is also a photographer aka Kir & Ira Photography. They would come to save the day. Besides, all the photos you see here were made by Kir & Ira Photography and I was completely awed by the beauty they created in each of our pictures.

I can not even begin to put into words how gorgeous I looked! Irina made me and bridal party look and feel beautiful. Because of the situation we were never even had a trial before the wedding.

When asked what I in-visioned for my wedding décor I told them a Romantic theme with my bridal colors. What I received was something out of a fairy-tale. My flowers were absolutely BREATHTAKING! The design of the alter was indescribable. The venue where we got married even commented on how gorgeous the set up was and they had never seen such a beautiful alter.

My guests were AWE of the amazing ceremony. We had professional musicians who played while I walked down the aisle and after the vows for a light happy hour. My wedding was the most perfect day and I would NEVER have been able to create such beauty without my wedding planner Margo. She took my vision and made it not only a dream come true but an evening that both myself and my guests will never forget. Margo saved the day on several occasions with my hair, makeup, and photographers. If I can give one piece of advice to future brides who hire a wedding planner – let the planner take control and trust them. They are a professional for a reason. They have resources, reviews, and personal experience that you don’t. I tried to take things into my own hands and it backfired. Relax, enjoy the process, and breathe!” – today’s bride, Heidi