Just over one year after Layal Bishara and Dillon Colucci started dating, Dillon proposed in their first apartment together. “I walked into our apartment after work on a random Thursday and found the entire foyer and living room covered with red roses and hundreds of candles – that he lit himself with a tiny lighter – along with him kneeling on one knee,” remembers Layal of the memorable moment. She, of course, said yes. 

Though the couple resides in Los Angeles, California, Layal and Dillon wanted a romantic, luxury destination wedding in their favorite country: Italy. Thankfully, they found a fairy-tale castle wedding venue that offered the Old World style they envisioned for the magical day. Guests were invited to the faraway nuptials by way of a classic invitation suite featuring an illustration of the castle venue, as well as a vintage-inspired wax seal. 

“We wanted everything to be clean, chic, and romantic,” confirms Layal of the all-white color scheme that included vanilla-toned blossoms throughout the ceremony and reception, as well as bridesmaids dressed in white gowns. The bride and her bridesmaids also carried white bouquets comprised of peonies and roses, which complemented the floral-embellished ceremony arch and aisle arrangements. 

“We wanted everything to be clean, chic, and romantic.”

Friends and family found their seats for the elegant alfresco ceremony in the castle gardens. Layal was stunning in a form-fitting lace gown with a cathedral-length train as she walked down the aisle to meet Dillon beneath the arch. The brother of the groom officiated the special, personalized ceremony, which left guests smiling from ear to ear as they witnessed the couple become husband and wife with a view of the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside. 

When it came time for the reception, loved ones made their way to another open-air space and found their seats atop wooden chairs surrounding a series of long, wood tables that curved beautifully around the alfresco space. The impressive tablescape was decorated with a white runner, taper candles, and arrangements of white florals accented with fresh greenery. Each guest’s place setting showcased gilt flatware and a single white rose. 

As the bride and groom are self-proclaimed foodies, they selected a delicious menu guests raved about. “The food was incredible, as it was different from typical wedding food,” affirms Layal. Another large focus throughout the planning process was designing the lighting to enhance the beauty of the venue. “We had a lot of uplights around the nature of the castle, chandeliers, and a custom logo that was projected onto the side of the castle at night,” adds the bride of the ambient atmosphere. 

The bride’s most memorable moment of the day was “dancing the night away with our best friends and family,” she remembers of the night under the stars filled with a curated mix of EDM, Arabic music to honor her Egyptian heritage, and ‘90s hip-hop. As an added surprise, a spectacular firework show towards the end of the night was the cherry on top of such an exquisite wedding celebration in Tuscany.