Florence is my happy place, and why wouldn’t it be!? Because if those ancient cobble stone streets could talk they would sing of romance. Especially with weddings like this happening on the regular, you better bet it’s won our hearts big time. Marrying old time architecture with new age details, M and J Photography shared every moment in THE VAULT!
From M and J Photography…During the heatwave that engulfed most of Europe in early July, we shot San Francisco based couple Mackenzie & Zack’s intimate wedding in Florence, Tuscany. It was a simple but joyous affair that we feel so privileged to have been a part of. The emotional ceremony was conducted by Mackenzie’s brother a top a roof terrace with stunning views over the classic skyline. Cocktails were followed by a beautiful, early evening stroll along the river and through the centre of town. The newlyweds led the rest of the wedding party (attracting a rather large number of overly enthusiastic tourists) through Piazza della Republica, past the Duomo and to Restaurant Accademia for a long evening of delicious food, heartfelt speeches and superb Italian Wine.
From the Bride & Groom…Mackenzie: When Zack proposed in my parent’s backyard, we briefly mentioned the idea of getting married right then and there. But, a year later we found ourselves on a plane bound for Italy! Zack had never been, and it had been over ten years since I had first discovered and fallen in love with the country. We wanted to get married somewhere that was already filled with such beauty and magic that we could simply “show up and get married,” surrounded by our loved ones, while getting to truly focus on the moment we said “I do.” Well, the event didn’t end up being quite that simple, but close. Each member of my family played a part in making the day come together, and we will forever be so touched by that. The day itself was so perfect, from morning until night.
Along with our family, the others that helped bring the day together most perfectly, were the family-run jeweler that swiftly and happily created our wedding bands, the incredible photographers that worked so cooly and calmly that they seamlessly blended into my memories of the day, and the owner of the restaurant that hosted our wedding dinner, who bent over backwards to create special details just for our celebration. No detail was missed by these fabulous people, and we would do it all over again in exactly the same way (well, without the heat wave, perhaps) if given the chance!
Zack: We wanted to make this wedding organic by taking advantage of what the beautiful city of Florence had to offer…strolling through the streets we were pleasantly surprised by cheers of “viva gli spose” (long live the bride) and had an unplanned but fantastic first dance as we happened to walk past a guitarist on the street. It was important for the wedding to be intimate and we were so lucky to have our family and closest friends travel so far to be a part of this day. We tried very hard to have the make up of the wedding be Italian, and while we had to sacrifice maybe a day of sightseeing, having Italian wedding rings and decorations made it all worth it. The local artisans of Florence went out of their way to make this day extra special for us and we could not be more thankful to them and this beautiful city.
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Photography: M & J Photography | Floral Design: Al Portico Firenze Florist | Floral Design: Fiorile | Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven | Stationery: Mackenzie Foreman | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Engagement Ring: D H Jeweler All Sustainable Metals | Rings: Massai Orafi Florence | Groom's Attire: Tailors' Keep | Venue: Accademia | Confetti: The Paper Source | Flat Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff | Getting Ready Venue: Windows On Italy | Groom's Shoes: Nordstrom | Pocket Square: J.Crew | Tie: J.Crew | Veil: Untamed Petals