An intentional approach: Flora & Leo’s Italian wedding
Flora and Leo’s wedding was an intimate expression of love, family, and travel. Journeying from Australia to the Italian Riviera, they chose the timeless Imperial Palace Hotel in Santa Margherita Ligure to exchange vows, surrounded by joyful pops of colour and elegant details.
A quiet interlude at Villa Durazzo followed the ceremony, before the celebration continued in Portofino. As evening settled, the newlyweds and their closest family gathered for a candlelit dinner overlooking the water, accompanied by the Mediterranean breeze, shared laughter, and classic Ligurian flavours.
Thoughtfully curated and deeply personal, the day centred on connection rather than tradition – a beautiful beginning to their marriage. Dia Voller Photography captured every detail with timeless elegance.
The meeting.
Although we were introduced through a mutual friend, Leo already knew who I was. We went to different schools, and he’d seen me at the bus stop a few times but never worked up the courage to say hello, he thought I was out of his league.
The one.
For Leo, it wasn’t an instant moment. It was the accumulation of months of friendship, loyalty, and the comfort of being in each others presence. At some point I realised I wasn’t choosing her anymore, she was just a part of my life.
For Flora, it was Leo’s sweet and kind nature when he brought me a care package after coming down with tonsillitis that I knew he was the one.
The proposal.
We take an annual trip to Berry in between Christmas Day and New Years Eve, and at least on one of the days we watch the sunrise in Gerringong. It was on a headland, overlooking the beach and the town where Leo surprised me by getting down on one knee. We continue to go back every year.
Planning process.
After a dud start and losing motivation with a previous planner, Leo took it upon himself to find a wedding planner that would be delighted to work on a micro weddding. Roberta Cavaliere WP was so sweet, enthusiastic and we all clicked immediately that we felt excited and hopeful again.
Style inspiration.
We wanted something that authentically captured our romantic and playful nature without feeling performative. We found some inspiration from wedding planners local to the region but mostly found that our connection with Roberta Cavaliere WP facilitated them to understand our personal style and share recommendations and visions.
The ceremony.
Our celebrant, Vania, was an amazing storyteller and a refreshing personality. We were really able to lean into having a small guest list, so our family members got their own mention or anecdote which kept everybody engaged. As the emotions were high, it helped us to really be present during the ceremony, the love felt tangible in the air. Also, what made the wedding even more special was that it became the first holiday our families shared together.
The outfits.
We surrounded ourselves with our mums, because who is more honest and wants the best for you, than your own mother? Even though we didn’t have a traditional bridal party, I still wanted to honour the people who mean the most to me. My sister and my best friend joined me for those intimate pre-wedding moments, helping choose my veil and seeing me in my dress for the first time.
Favourite moment.
Everything! We always reminisce and wish we could go back to that day. If I had to choose one, it would be having breakfast with my soon-to-be husband. It washed away the nerves, it brought me a level of peace and calm that was the gateway to our new lives together.
Meaning of marriage.
Marriage means two individuals coming together and having a common goal with romance sprinkled in, and to be fair to each other and ourselves. We’re individuals! We’ll have different perspectives or goals sometimes but marriage means helping each other through it.
Wedding soundtrack.
We kept it classic and did away with anything that didn’t reflect us, such as the first dance, because we’re not dancers!
Groom’s entrance: Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
Bride’s entrance: Wedding March – Richard Wagner
Ring exchange: Le Vie en Rose – Édith Pilaf
Exit song: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Johann Sebastian Bach
Funny stories (or near disasters).
As the bride, I experienced them all, starting with the jeweller losing my wedding band that was picked up during a sentimental trip to Mexico. On the actual wedding day, I came down with a chest infection, woke up to news that there was a stain on the ceremony dress, and became overwhelmed and frustrated with my planned hairstyle, as I was my own hair and makeup artist! However, I had to take a moment and make the conscious decision that I would not let this overtake the joy I wanted to feel on the day. So, I let it go like water off a duck’s back, and now they make funny stories.
Planning surprises.
I was surprised by how enjoyable a wedding (that needed a quick turnaround) can be in planning, when you have the right team of professionals. It’s one of the first times we needed to compromise as a couple because we sometimes wanted different design elements. However, our team of vendors never made it feel like we were making a wrong choice. It also surprised me how much we clicked with our team. Roberta and Elisa felt like a natural extension of our guest list, having Dia Voller with us was like having a friend be our photographer, so it never felt like we had a stranger amongst us during the intimate moments.
Words of wisdom.
Lean into it and enjoy it for yourself. In the politest way possible, nobody cares about your wedding as much as you do, so indulge in it with your partner. It’s a life milestone after all. Also, take time to enjoy the journey of your wedding process, not just the event. A wedding should be fun and full of love. It’s a snapshot of where you are in life, so let go of anything that doesn’t serve you and revel in what does.
FLORA & LEO’S VENDORS
Photographer: Dia Voller
Planner: Roberta Cavaliere & Elisa Rosa
Videography: Danilo Grassi of Filmsdiary
Florals and decoration: White Eventi
Venue: Imperiale Palace Hotel, Santa Margherita Ligure
Music: Musica Evento
Officiant: Vania Vuturo
Caterer: DaV Mare – Splendido Mare – Belmond Hotel, Portofino
Dress: Wtoo by Watters
Suit: Tailor & Co
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
