For Emma and Eric, welcoming their guests to Italy was about more than just the start of a wedding weekend; it was about creating an immediate sense of joy, connection, and authentic Italian hospitality. They dreamed of an evening that felt both completely relaxed and effortlessly elegant, a gathering that would set the tone for the celebration to come. Their vision was for a wonderful open-air pizza party, a classic concept elevated to an art form on the sweeping main lawn of Villa Valentini Bonaparte.
As their planners, we were captivated by this idea. It allowed us to do what we love most: transform a simple, beloved tradition into a sophisticated and deeply personal experience. It was our pleasure to orchestrate an evening that was a true feast for the senses, where the aroma of fresh herbs mingled with the sounds of laughter and lively Neapolitan music under the warm Umbrian sky.
- Couple: Emma and Eric
- Season: Early Summer (June)
- Style: Welcome Event – Authentic Italian Pizza Party
- Planner: The Extraordinaire (Sabrina Carbone)
Wedding Highlights:
- An elegant, open-air dinner set on the historic main lawn of the villa.
- A truly authentic pizzeria experience, with a live pizza station for custom orders.
- A wandering Neapolitan folk quartet that filled the evening with song and dancing.
An Aromatic Umbrian Welcome
The stage for the evening was the villa’s magnificent lawn, offering breathtaking views of the Umbrian countryside as the sun began to set. To bring Emma and Eric’s vision to life, we designed long, rustic tablescapes that were both beautiful and wonderfully aromatic. We moved away from traditional florals and instead used potted tomato plants, fresh basil, and fragrant herbs like thyme and rosemary as centerpieces. As Sabrina always says, “Design should engage all the senses.” This simple, organic touch immediately created a warm, convivial pizzeria atmosphere that was both stylish and welcoming.
A Ceremony of Heritage and Heart
The heart of an Italian pizza party is, of course, the food. We curated a plentiful buffet laden with a kaleidoscope of local Umbrian dishes, allowing guests to sample the region’s incredible culinary heritage. The main event was the interactive pizza station, where a master pizzaiolo crafted pizzas to order. Guests could mingle, watch the craft, and choose their favorite flavors, creating a dynamic and engaging dining experience that felt personal and fun. This approach transforms dinner from a formality into a shared activity, encouraging conversation and connection from the very first moment.
An Umbrian Welcome at the Villa
As guests enjoyed their dinner, the atmosphere was infused with the joyful sound of a traditional folk quartet. Specializing in classic Neapolitan songs, the musicians wandered between the tables, their beautiful melodies creating the perfect Italian soundtrack. Their infectious energy soon had everyone singing along, clapping, and even getting up to dance between courses. This is the essence of crafting a remarkable guest journey; it’s about creating moments of spontaneous delight that people will talk about for years to come.
Dinner, Opera, and Unforgettable Moments
The evening was a perfect reflection of Emma and Eric: warm, generous, and full of life. It was a testament to the fact that a “relaxed” event can, and should, be executed with the same level of care, creativity, and logistical precision as a formal wedding day. By focusing on authentic details, sensory experiences, and the seamless flow of the guest journey, we were able to create an unforgettable welcome that was the perfect beginning to their extraordinary Italian wedding celebration.
Your Extraordinary Celebration
Emma and Eric’s beautiful welcome party showcases just one of the incredible possibilities at this estate. To learn more about creating a multi-day celebration here, we invite you to explore our complete guide to weddings at Villa Valentini Bonaparte or view their main wedding day celebration.
Ready to begin your own story? Contact us for a complimentary consultation and let us bring your vision to life.
