A year before their wedding date, Meredith and Dale travelled from their home in Arkansas to Italy in search of a dream location for their destination wedding. After touring various villas and hotels all over Tuscany, they walked into Four Seasons Hotel Firenze and “instantly fell in love with the atmosphere, the service and the staff,” says the bride.

Intimate . . . Personal . . . Candlelit

The scene: In an intimate setting with their closest family and friends, Meredith and Dale were married in the Hotel’s historic garden at sunset, the bride’s favourite time of day. Then it was inside for a six-course Italian meal at a candlelit table, studded with red roses and the bride’s signature turquoise accents.

That magical moment: Already in awe of the garden’s elegance, Meredith was touched when the staff arranged for a pair of ancient potted Meyer lemon trees she’d spotted elsewhere to flank the altar.

The bride wore: Meredith chose a customised Badgley Mischka gown featuring a one-shoulder design with soft floral detailing. “It felt romantic and Italian,” she says.

The bride and groom: One of Dale’s favourite moments happened spontaneously after the ceremony. He stole a big hug with both his bride and his young daughter, Ellie, his “two favourite girls on the planet.”

A personal touch: Rather than a specific theme, the bride simply chose her favourite colours, turquoise and red, and incorporated them everywhere she could. She carried a bouquet of scarlet ranunculus and wore turquoise Louboutin heels.

Starting with such an elegant setting, including a staff that “exceeded expectations at every turn,” it was a breeze for Meredith and Dale to create the day of their dreams abroad. They combined Italian opulence with their own personal touches for a wedding that “just felt like us,” says the bride.

Photography Christopher Becker

Ready to start planning? Get in touch with a Four Seasons Wedding Consultant.