There is a unique romance to Florence, a city that feels like a living, breathing work of art. For Athena and Ernest, a wonderfully vibrant young couple from California, this historic canvas was the only place they could imagine beginning their own story. They envisioned a celebration that was both classic and full of life; an elegant garden ceremony followed by an unforgettable party, all wrapped in the warmth of Tuscan hospitality.
Our founder, Sabrina Carbone, and the team were instantly captivated by their energy. We set out to create an experience that mirrored their spirit: effortlessly elegant, deeply personal, and incredibly fun. Grand Hotel Villa Cora, with its majestic gardens and opulent halls overlooking the city, provided the perfect setting. We designed a multi-day journey that allowed Athena, Ernest, and their guests to immerse themselves in the magic of Florence before culminating in a truly extraordinary wedding day.
- Couple: Athena and Ernest
- Season: Autumn
- Style: Classic & Romantic
- Planner: The Extraordinaire (Sabrina Carbone)
Wedding Highlights:
Athena and Ernest were a very young couple from California that came to have their wedding in the garden at Villa Coro. They spent a few days in Florence enjoying the wonderful city, and on the night of their wedding, they had an incredible party with Matthew DJ, our best DJ from Florence.
The Morning Of: A Florentine Dream
The morning unfolded with a beautiful sense of calm and anticipation. Within her suite at Villa Cora, surrounded friends and views of Florence from her balcony, Athena prepared for the day. Every detail, from her classic gown to the elegant stationery, was chosen to complement the timeless beauty of Florence. Our team ensured the morning was completely seamless, allowing the couple and their families to simply savor the quiet, joyful moments before the celebration began.
A Ceremony in the Garden
The heart of the day was the ceremony in Villa Cora’s magnificent Italian gardens. Guests descended the grand staircase to find a stunning floral arch framing the Florentine hills beyond. As Sabrina always says, “The guest journey begins the moment they arrive.” We orchestrated the timing perfectly so that the afternoon sun cast a warm, golden glow over the proceedings. It was a ceremony filled with emotion, classic beauty, and the unmistakable feeling of being somewhere truly special.
An Elegant Welcome at the Villa
Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed to the villa’s rear terrace for a classic Italian aperitivo. With champagne flowing and a live string quartet playing, everyone mingled while taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of Florence. This transition is a critical moment in the day, designed to feel both grand and effortless. It’s an opportunity for guests to relax, connect, and fully immerse themselves in the celebratory atmosphere we’ve so carefully curated.
Dinner, Dancing, and Unforgettable Moments
As dusk settled, guests were ushered into the spectacular Mirror Room for dinner. The gilded hall, reflecting the warm candlelight and lavish floral arrangements, created an atmosphere of pure opulence and romance. After heartfelt speeches and an exquisite meal, it was time for the party. We transformed the space for an epic celebration led by DJ Matthew, whose incredible energy is why he is our go-to partner for creating unforgettable parties.
The night was a whirlwind of music, laughter, and dancing, a perfect, high-energy finale to a day of classic romance.
Your Extraordinary Celebration
Athena and Ernest’s beautiful day showcases just one of the incredible possibilities at this estate. To learn more, we invite you to explore our complete guide to weddings at Grand Hotel Villa Cora.
Ready to begin your own story? Contact us for a complimentary consultation and let us bring your vision to life.
