Bilyana & Henrik's Tuscan Wedding
Bilyana and Henrik married at Castello di Velona in Montalcino with stunning views over the rolling Tuscan hills.
The couple were introduced by a mutual friend and got engaged two years later during a trip to the Amalfi Coast to celebrate their anniversary.
“Henrik and I decided to take a spontaneous (or so I thought!) trip to Positano and he proposed under the stars at Villa TreVille”.
They picked Castello di Velona as their venue after stumbling across it by accident. On a trip to find the perfect venue they were crisscrossing Italy to find a location by the sea and had to stay overnight in Tuscany. By recommendation by their wedding planner they booked in to Castello di Velona as it was one of the only places open in December.
“We arrived at night and went to bed pretty early, when we woke up, we couldn’t believe our eyes – the rolling hills, the charm, the atmosphere – it was pure magic. We fell in love with Tuscany and the castle instantly. The cherry on the cake was the lack of music restriction and a heated pool – where most of the wedding party ended up at 2am!”
The bride looked stunning in her Caroline Castigliano January gown with the Malaysia shrug and Grand veil.
What did you like the most about your dress and what was the reason for choosing it?
The dress that I ended up buying is not a style that I would have picked from the rack or naturally go for. What I did keep in mind before going dress shopping though, was the advice of friends who have been through the process. They told me to go with an open mind and try the suggestions of the consultants because I might get surprised what I look and feel great in.
I was fortunate to get an appointment with Caroline herself and she picked the January dress for me. It was a surprise as I had just told her I’d like a dramatic look and the January dress looked too simple. However, when I put it on, I felt incredibly emotional. It is the first time it really sunk in that I am getting married. When Caroline then paired it with the gorgeous, lace cathedral-length veil, I was blown away. It felt totally right.
What did you enjoy the most about your Caroline Castigliano experience?
During the course of the fittings, the Caroline Castigliano team became as close as family. I found choosing THE most important dress in my life very difficult, especially as I loved ALL Caroline Castigliano designs. I kept changing my mind and going back to the team for fittings and discussions. They were so patient, so understanding and worked relentlessly to make sure I was 100% happy. The attention to detail was remarkable. One of the things I miss the most from the wedding experience are those fittings!
What did you enjoy the most on your wedding day?
It’s impossible to name one thing, it is such a phenomenally special day! Standing at the entrance of the church on the arm of my father, that split second before we started walking, took my breath away. Saying ‘I do’ in front of all our friends and families felt incredibly too. After the emotional moments, I actually really enjoyed our first dance the most – we had a choreography on ‘Sunny’ by Boney M and flashing LED-light gloves to go with it!
Any tips for brides-to-be?
The planning process can be very stressful, tiring and filled with self-doubt whether we are doing everything right and making the right choices. With the benefit of hindsight, I’d say always go with your instinct and your first choice – that first dress that made you feel fabulous even if it wasn’t what you originally envisaged, that funky detail you wanted but the wedding planner advised you against, etc. It is your day, go with your heart and trust your choices!
All photography by: Jules Bower
Venue: Castello di Velona