The remarkable wedding of Emily Palos & David Caplan
at Villa Cetinale
Emily and Dave tied the knot in an unforgettable wedding that made a big impression and felt special for everyone involved. The couple, from California, picked Villa Cetinale in Siena, Tuscany, as the perfect setting for their big day.
After a year of thoughtful planning, everything came together smoothly, Thanks in large part to Emily’s confidence in my ability to help. This teamwork helped avoid any major problems, leading to a seamless wedding day.
On the wedding day, the weather was perfect, especially since there had been some worries about rain. The morning started with the bridal party doing yoga in the gardens, while the groomsmen relaxed at the pool. Emily got ready in her suite, spending moments with her mother and sister before the ceremony. Meanwhile, Dave and his friends got ready in a separate area to keep the bride hidden until the big reveal.
The ceremony took place at the beautiful Statues area of the villa. We wanted the styling to complement the beautiful venue so we chose green, white and soft pink tones. Our florist nailed the brief and created beautiful compositions matched the villa’s charm and without taking away from the stunning views.It was an emotional moment, filled with genuine love between Emily and Dave that touched everyone present.
After the vows, the new Mr. and Mrs. Caplan welcomed their guests to a garden aperitif. Guests enjoyed prosecco with jasmine flowers while a live jazz band set a delightful atmosphere. Emily and Dave took some portraits together, capturing their first moments as a married couple in the lovely evening light.
As dinner time rolled around, guests found their seats marked by personalized olive oil bottles, which made for a nice keepsake.
Then it was time for dinner and we decided to arranged the dining area with two long tables reflecting the wedding theme and colors, adorned with white and soft pinks roses compositions, under twinkling lights for a magical feel.
The finishing touch of the meal was the traditional Italian millefoglie, made fresh in front of guests, which everyone loved. After cutting the cake, the couple shared their first dance under the glowing lights of the villa.
The evening transitioned into a lively party, with the band returning to entertain with an impressive performance. A designated photo corner provided guests with mementos of the celebration, with instant prints available as keepsakes. Signature cocktails further enhanced the celebratory atmosphere, while Emily surprised everyone with a stunning outfit change and a heartfelt performance dedicated to Dave.
As the night progressed, late-night snacks, including mini bomboloni and sliders, were served to keep energy levels high for the dancing that continued until the early hours. With music curfews in effect at the villa, a silent disco was introduced, a creative solution that delighted guests and fostered a fun, intimate atmosphere, led by two friends of the couple.
The day wrapped up perfectly, showcasing a celebration filled with joy and unforgettable memories—a fitting end to a year of careful planning. Seeing the joy on the faces of Emily, Dave, and their guests truly made the effort worthwhile.
Emily and David's wedding was a true labor of love, with meticulous attention given to the smallest details, from the thoughtfully curated welcome bags for guests to the charming drink decor and elegant stationery, which featured personalized coasters and fans.
CREDITS:
Venue @cetinale
Concierge @smartlux_italy
Caterer @galateoricevimenti
Flowers @larosacaninafirenze
Audio&Lights @jdevents
Hair and Makeup Bride: @laranavarrinimakeup
Hair and Makeup others: @tuscany.weddinghairmakeup
Aperitif and after dinner band: @gatsbyband
Photographer: @adovasio_photography_studio
Videographer: @waterfallvisuals_videography
Photo Booth: @overtheboxitalia
Stationary: @lauramazzettitheweddingletters
Content creator: @in_white_stories
Wedding dress: @loho_bride @katherinetash
Groom tux and shoes: @gucci
Bride after party dress: @madeleinefig
Bride after party jewelry: @bekah_anne_accessories
Bride after party shoes: @misslola @misslolaofficial
Bride after party hair: @ashleykarel_hair
Contacts
I'm Francesca, a wedding planner specialized in sustainable events in Tuscany with more than 12 years of experience.