An Elegant Seaside Wedding on the Italian Riviera at Villa Durazzo
Some couples dream of Italy long before they ever choose a venue. For Rachel and Evan, Italy was not simply a destination, but a return to something deeply personal. With roots that blended Italian and Hawaiian heritage, Rachel felt a powerful connection to this land, and choosing Italy was a way to honour her family history while creating something entirely their own.
They travelled across the country before deciding. From Lake Como to Sicily, they explored venues, landscapes, and atmospheres, searching not just for beauty, but for a place that felt right. When they arrived at Villa Durazzo, overlooking the sea, everything aligned. The view, the walkability from the town, the reassurance of a strong Plan B, and the sense of elegance without distance all spoke the same language.
Their wedding in Italy was designed for joy. Ninety guests, all arriving from the United States, formed a young, energetic, and deeply connected group. These were friends who regularly celebrate life together, who know how to fill a space with laughter and movement. From the very beginning, the mood was collective and spontaneous, as if the wedding were a continuation of something already alive between them.
The symbolic ceremony took place by the sea, with the water always present, shimmering just beyond the vows. That proximity to the ocean was essential, grounding the entire day in a sense of openness and calm. As the celebration unfolded, emotions rose and shifted naturally, from tender moments to pure celebration.
What made this wedding unforgettable was its ability to blend cultures, generations, and energies into a single, seamless experience. It was elegant without being formal, emotional without being heavy, and joyful without ever feeling forced.
This is the kind of wedding Italy does best. One that feels authentic, layered, and full of life.
The kind that makes you think: “I want my wedding in Italy to feel exactly like this.” It was a celebration of identity, family, and joy. And reading their story, it is impossible not to feel it deeply and think: “This is exactly how I want to get married in Italy.”
