Two summers ago, Kristen and Porter flew to a romantic Italian town for their alfresco nuptials. “When choosing our venue and location, we wanted to create an atmosphere that was full of excitement, celebration and romance!” the bride explains. “Our goal was for people who had never met to leave as friends [and] our vision was to give our family and friends a beautiful, intimate gathering that brought people together.”

While planning their weekend wedding, the duo elected a gorgeous hotel in which to host their intimate soirée. “As hard as it was, it made it easier to make a smaller list,” she reveals. “We care about so many of our friends and family, but we didn’t want to lose sight of our goal of a small, intimate wedding. We really wanted everyone to have time to get to know each other.” In honor of their faith, they asked their minister to officiate the service. “We wanted to make sure we could bring our own minister, who was a very close friend of Porter’s grandfather,” Kristen reveals. “It felt so special to be able to incorporate our family and faith all the way in Italy! We couldn’t have imagined anyone else marrying us.” The sound of violins filled the air as the lovebirds exchanged vows amidst the breathtaking landscape.

The celebration featured décor that incorporated lavender, greenery, and a soft palette of white and blue hues – a design motif that began with the couple’s luxurious invitation suite designed by Kara Anne Paper composed of a custom linen box filled with fresh scented lavender twigs, a heavy-weight engraved invitation with gold beveled edges, and insert cards for each celebration. “The bridesmaids preceded the bride down the aisle wearing [blue and lavender] gowns and the groomsmen in coordinating lavender suit jackets,” the bride says. The same aesthetic appeared in the bridesmaids’ nosegays and flower crowns, along with the tablescape and floral arrangements. Glass candelabras and hints of gold added the perfect touch of elegance to the ambience. Towards the end of the evening, attendees had something exciting awaiting them. “We surprised our guests with custom onesie pajamas in their room while they were getting ready, inviting them to a onesie dance party following dinner,” Kristen remembers. “We transformed the small rustic chapel into a dance club with a DJ and late-night snacks!”

Reflecting on her wedding experience, Kristen hopes that all brides look beyond any mishaps. “Don’t stress over the little things,” she encourages. “I realized that guests never noticed, and by the end of the evening, I had forgotten all about it.”