A Glamorous Destination Wedding in a Tuscan Villa

Jarian Wade knows Brittany Meagley better than anyone, and knew exactly what she’d want in a proposal. “Brittany loves photography and travel, and once I decided that I’d incorporate both into my proposal, I knew she’d say yes!” says Jarian. When he and Brittany started dating in 2015, she mentioned that she’d always wanted to visit the Taj Mahal, a fact he held on to for two years so they could celebrate their engagement at this monument to love. Jarian hired a local photographer to capture the moment and help with the planning, including renting a row boat that would take the couple out onto the Yamuna river so Jarian could propose with a towering monument behind them. “I got Brittany to India and we made our way to the Taj Mahal, and all it took was the photographer asking her to stand and face away from him for a few solo shots for me to get into position on one knee behind her,” Jarian recalls. And he was right—the result was a resounding yes! 

That love of travel also made its way into Brittany and Jarian’s wedding plans. Says the bride, “We fell in love with Florence on a trip before we got engaged, and knew it would be an amazing place to profess our love for one another in front of our family and friends.” They wanted incredible views and a gorgeous galleria where they could host their reception, and their planner Giulia Puppini of Exclusive Italy Weddings found the perfect place: Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte.   

On August 25, 2018, Jarian and Brittany wed in front of 90 guests in an intimate garden ceremony, surrounded by sun-worn statues and with views of rolling hills in the background. After, they celebrated with a romantic reception in a gorgeous hall full of oil paintings, frescoes, and gilded accents.

Keep reading to see how Brittany and Jarian made this Italian villa wedding their own, as photographed by Lisa Poggi. 

Brittany and her bridesmaids got ready at the villa, wearing matching robes as they had their hair and makeup done in sleek, classic styles.  

Brittany wore a customized Winnie Couture gown, featuring embellished lace, beaded straps, and a dramatic tulle train. “It was actually the first dress I tried on, and even though I tried on a few more after, I couldn’t stop thinking about it," she says. "I was back in the salon making my purchase the next day!” Brittany topped off her soft waves with a custom, 18-foot veil decorated with Swarovski crystals.  

The bridesmaids wore blush mermaid gowns with a modern halter neckline. “I wanted them to feel totally glamorous,” says Brittany. 

Jarian brought just as much style to the altar, donning a textured navy double-breasted tuxedo. His Movado watch was a gift from the bride on the big day.

The ceremony took place in Villa Corsini’s gardens, where a stone pathway led to an organic arch of eucalyptus and oak leaves studded with white roses and hydrangeas. “We used transparent Kartell chairs so the focus would be on the altar and the views,” says the bride.  

Brittany’s father walked her down the aisle to the altar, where she and Jarian exchanged a combination of traditional vows and words they’d written themselves.  

 

The couple included a number of traditions, including jumping the broom after their first kiss. “Our ceremony was so powerful and full of love,” says Brittany. “I will never forget the surreal joy I felt listening to Jarian tell me—and our guests—how he feels about me.” 

Guests wandered through the manicured gardens back to the villa for cocktail hour, where they enjoyed local Italian delicacies before sitting down for dinner.  

The reception decor was appropriately grand for the gorgeous setting. Overflowing arrangements of white roses, orchids and hydrangeas floated on gold pedestals, surrounded by votive candles and low clusters of blooms. Each place setting featured a gold-rimmed charger and cut crystal glassware. 

“Since the wedding took place in Italy, the menu included many local Italian dishes and ingredients,” says Brittany. “We started with a risotto with scampi and sage pesto sauce flavored with prosecco, then we had a champagne and lemon sea bass fillet on bed of vegetables and a beef fillet with Brunello di Montalcino wine sauce.” 

The evening was full of performances, including one by Jarian’s fraternity brothers. Even the groom—who had changed into a white dinner jacket—got in on the fun.  

In addition to a traditional American wedding cake with layers of lemon cake and strawberry coulis, a pastry chef prepared a massive millefoglie, topped with fresh berries and cream. 

“Once the party really got started, we surprised our guests with a dancing robot who shot sparklers and confetti,” says Brittany. “Our guests were so surprised. The look on their faces was priceless!”