It took Nadine and Norman a week to fall in love. That’s all the time they had before Norman had to leave for China! But that was all they needed and Nadine soon followed him over. It was this bride’s dream to get married in the Tuscan region of Italy ever since she was a little girl and last summer her dream literally came true. It wasn’t the easiest planning a wedding in Italy from China but as you’ll see, their hard work paid off. We’ve more from Nadine below on getting engaged and the planning process, but first these gorgeous images from Lisa Poggi.

The Meeting & Engagement

“It was really great luck that Norman and I met at all, because one week later he moved to Shanghai for work! In the beginning, I thought it was only a something fleeting and it never occurred to me that there would be any chance to develop this relationship, because of his move to China. But we couldn’t stay away from each other and ended up meeting again several times before he flew to Shanghai. Of course by then, we were deeply in love and we stayed in touch. One year later, I moved to Shanghai to live with him.

Norman proposed to me in Hong Kong two and a half years after we met. We took the old wooden ferry that commutes between Hong Kong island and Kowloon one evening. Hardly any people were on board, so it was very romantic. Norman started to talk about our travels together and what countries we have already discovered as a couple. Suddenly, he asked me if I would like to go to Tuscany with him next summer. And as it was my wish to marry in Tuscany since I was a little child (I used to go there on vacation with my family) I somehow knew what he was talking about. Of course, I was pretty speechless (but  the  “YES,  of  course”  was   manageable!) and totally blown away. Even two hours after the proposal I still was somehow in a trance and couldn’t believe that we were engaged.”

Deciding on a Destination Wedding

“It was always my wish to marry in the Tuscan region of Italy ever since wonderful childhood vacations there. It was also the location of our first real holiday together as a couple. We are both huge fans of Italy I have to say! We love the special atmosphere and the dolce vita- the Italians really know how to enjoy and celebrate life. The language, food, wine and the great landscape are just unbeatable. And from the moment we saw Castello di Spaltenna we knew it was perfect for us. As we live in China it was a little difficult organising a wedding in Italy. But we had great help from Laura of Varese Wedding who was our wedding planner- she was very professional and patient. She supported us in every matter and always gave us good advice. With her help we got to realise the wedding we dreamed of.

We had no specific theme for our celebration. For us it was most important that the wedding not be too affected and over-styled but  rather natural and relaxed. We imagined our wedding as a big garden-party. We had no special program planned– we let everything just fall into place and it turned out just great. There were so many memorable moments! But the location itself (Tuscany and Castello Spaltenna) really did so much to create such a special atmosphere. We sent out invitations six months in advance, allowing most people to plan a vacation around their trip to our wedding. It was just like one imagines Tuscany to be: vineyards, cypresses,  hills and wild poppies. As a local tradition, we incorporated almonds on the guest tables.”

“For the wedding day, Norman organised an old red MG as our transport. After the ceremony in the pieve “San Giusto in Salcio” we drove back to Castello Spaltenna with and all our guests waving farewell. But we didn’t drive back directly to the Castello. We took the chance and enjoyed some time just the two of us. It was a special and very romantic feeling to drive along the Tuscan countryside with its beautiful vineyards just after getting actually married. We both just laughed and held hands. It was really a great idea of my husband to abscond for a little!

My only advice would be to not try too hard to have a wedding day without any interruptions or mistakes. They will happen… But  it still will be your perfect day and the glow in the both your and your partner’s face will outshine everything.”

What a nice way to put it! And how about that heart cake? One other lovely detail was that the Nadine and Norman were married by the very same priest who wed Nadine’s parents 35 years previously. Amazing. Thanks to Laura from Varese Wedding for sharing this wedding with us, Lisa Poggi for the images and Nadine for telling her and Norman’s beautiful story.

Photographer: Lisa Poggi |  Planner: Varese Wedding | Videographer: Matteo Castelluccia | Reception & Ceremony Venue: Castello di Spaltenna (also provided catering & cake) | Celebrant: Georg Meusburger | Bride’s Dress: Pronovias | Bride’s Shoes: Bally | Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss

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