If you're dreaming of getting married abroad let this uber-stylish real destination wedding in Italy serve as your ultimate destination wedding inspiration. Eglė and James tied the knot in a fabulous, fun-filled outdoor summer wedding in a phenomenal hamlet in Tuscany. Fashion-forward brides get ready to swoon over Eglė's romantically-detailed gown and we love her unique take on the bouquet toss. From strolls through the epically scenic countryside to an elegantly relaxed reception (with even more incredible views), to cutting their wedding cake against a firework-lit sky and their garden party day two bash which will make you want to book a holiday instantly, their wedding was nothing short of sensational. See the magic of their wedding in a medieval Italian town play out in the wonderful images lensed by White Cat Studio.
So, without further ado, let's get to know our newlyweds. James is from the UK and he met Lithuanian beauty Eglė in work over nine years ago. James popped the question in highly romantic style, in a swoon-inducing location. He proposed to Eglė in Lithuania as they watched the sunrise over a lake. "It was just the two of us and it was beautiful." Today they are based in Sheffield in the UK.
They chose a breathtaking venue for their nuptials. Bosco Della Spina is a boutique hotel located in the hills above Lupompesi which has ancient origins with astounding views of the Crevole valley. Their outdoor wedding ceremony on June 2nd, 2023, played out against the enchanting backdrop of the unspoiled countryside and the couple's choice of pastel blooms only added to the dreaminess. Eglė's off-the-shoulder column gown oozed whimsical magic with a diaphanous asymmetrical draped neckline, a corset and a sheer train.
She accessorised with stylish multi-strap heels and carried a bouquet of peach, pink and yellow blooms. James opted for a summery suave blue suit, a cream waistcoat with black buttons, a white shirt, cream tie, and brown shoes. The couple found sweet ways to involve their loved ones in their ceremony which made it feel very personal - with James' grandmother giving a lovely ceremony reading. The reading that rings crystal clear in their minds is To Love Is Not To Possess by James Kavanaugh.
Ceremony rituals play such an important role in making a wedding special and the couple did a bread, salt and water greeting after the ceremony which is a Lithuanian wedding tradition. The custom sees the parents of the couple presenting them with dark rye bread which represents health, wealth and generosity and salt to signify the challenges in life they will tackle together. It can be washed down with water which denotes a fresh start or vodka or wine to celebrate their union.
The couple's wedding photos from their strolls amongst the idyllic Italian countryside could be plucked out of a Hollywood film. Jaw droppingly beautiful.
80 of their nearest and dearest made the journey and the couple's main goal was ensuring that they picked a one-stop-shop venue. "A venue with plenty of rooms and a pool to enjoy the Tuscan sun was our biggest priority. We also wanted a venue that was private and had enough space to host the ceremony, dinner and a party afterwards."
They fell in love with the venue because of the traditional Italian style with a "pleasing modern twist". "It was a real gem amongst others that we had seen." With a scattered hotel and apartments available which boast authentic Tuscan styling and postcard-pretty views, it is a phenomenal venue for a destination wedding.
Terracotta shades and clusters of delicate Baby's Breath were a match made in heaven when it came to the styling of their reception. "I completely trusted our wedding planner and florist on this. I wanted florals to go with the venue and location that included traditional Italian clay bricks and my beautiful dress."
Wedding guests were treated to a feast of flavour with a menu packed with traditional Tuscan cuisine made from the finest local ingredients.
We love to hear how brides and grooms but their stamp on their big day. Eglė shook up tradition with her bouquet toss. "I chose not to have bridesmaids and threw my bouquet to single guys, which just felt right to us."
They held their reception on the terrace which had a rustic allure with tables covered with white tablecloths and surrounded by wooden chairs while orange coloured napkins evoked a sunset state of mind. Menus were dotted with flowers and foliage with sweet selections of pastel-hued blooms popped into vases. It was a truly dreamy location to toast to their happily ever after as the restaurant boasts panoramic views of the serene countryside.
Can we take a moment for the couple's reception entrance? The party was just getting started...
They have the following piece of wedding advice for those planning their big day: "Make your day about you. Listen to advice (especially professional advice), but make sure you don’t do anything on the day just because that’s supposed to be done. Equally if you really want to do something even if you are unsure why - allow that inner feeling to lead you and just do it!"
They chose their favourite song for their first dance, Toothpaste Kisses by the British indie rock band The Maccabees which was performed by James' brother and their close friend. What a special moment that must have been for them all.
Cheese wedding cakes are a wonderful alternative if you're more inclined towards savoury treats. The couple leapt on the wedding cake meadow trend as their three-tier cheese wedding cake was surrounded by Baby's Breath and pillar candles in glass holders. They cut their cake as fireworks erupted in the night's sky, what an incredible moment.
Their day two bash was also saturated in sun and love, the hotel has an infinity pool which overlooks the valley so of course that was a popular fixture on the day! Guests lounged in the sun, tucking into delicious pizza and there were games like a giant tumbling tower. Eglė & James picked the heavenly tropical Corfu in Greece as their honeymoon destination as they wanted to jet off straight after their wedding. "It was a beautiful trip especially if you love spending time in the water, snorkelling and swimming on the boats."
Congratulations and a huge thank you Eglė and James for sharing your dreamy destination wedding with One Fab Day and to White Cat Studio for your exquisite imagery.
Want to tie the knot abroad? Check out more Real Destination Weddings and head to One Fab Day's Instagram for even more inspiration!