Anda + Leo
Villa Aurelia Wedding: an Elegant Celebration in Rome
Rome, with its eternal charm and rich history, sets the perfect stage for a breathtaking destination wedding. Anda and Leo’s wedding at Villa Aurelia was nothing short of magical—an elegant fusion of Italian romance and Jewish traditions, planned by Confetti a Colazione beautifully captured through natural light, film photography, and editorial flash techniques.
A Love Story That Led to Rome
Anda and Leo’s journey together began at a mutual friend’s birthday party in New York City. Four years later, Leonardo surprised Anda with a romantic horseback proposal at Sunset Rock in Upstate New York, a memory they will cherish forever. Their shared love for travel, culture, and meaningful traditions led them to Italy, where they found the perfect venue to celebrate their union—Villa Aurelia in Rome.
A Three-Day Celebration in Rome
Their wedding wasn’t just a single day—it was a full weekend celebration with their closest friends and family, immersing them in the beauty of Rome.
Pre-Wedding Cocktail Party at Charlie’s Rooftop Bar
To welcome their guests, Anda and Leo hosted a chic cocktail party at Charlie’s Rooftop Bar, offering breathtaking views of the Roman skyline. The intimate evening was filled with signature cocktails, laughter, and anticipation for the big day ahead.
A Dream Wedding at Villa Aurelia
After months of planning, the couple found their perfect venue—Villa Aurelia, an exquisite historical villa offering panoramic views of Rome, lush gardens, and an elegant atmosphere for their unforgettable wedding day.
The Wedding Aesthetic: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Flair
Instead of a traditional wedding color palette, Anda and Leo invited their guests to dress in shades inspired by their three favorite cocktails—espresso martini browns, aperol spritz reds and oranges, and dirty martini greens. This unique concept also influenced the minimalist yet sophisticated decor, reflecting their refined style.
Bride’s Look: Anda stunned in a Lela Rose wedding dress, complemented by Magda Butrym earrings, Neous shoes, and a handcrafted veil and scarf from an independent designer on Etsy.
Groom’s Attire: Leonardo wore a custom Suit Supply tuxedo with Vitale Barberis Canonico fabric, a Charvet bow tie, and Bottega Veneta cufflinks—a timelessly elegant choice.
Floral Design: The floral arrangements, crafted by Il Profumo dei Fiori, blended seamlessly with the villa’s lush gardens.
A Wedding Day to Remember
The day began with bride and groom preparations at two iconic locations—Palazzo Ripetta for Anda and Villa Aurelia for Leonardo. The excitement built up to their intimate first look in the villa’s secret garden, capturing the raw emotions before the ceremony.
The Ceremony: A Union of Traditions
Held in Il Giardino Segreto at Villa Aurelia, the ceremony honored both Anda’s Jewish-Israeli heritage and Leonardo’s Italian-Catholic roots, creating a deeply personal and symbolic experience. Anda walked down the aisle to a live jazz rendition of “Poco Sole” by Ornella Vanoni, setting the tone for an unforgettable exchange of vows.
Sunset Portraits & Timeless Film Photography
As the sun began to set over Rome, we captured breathtaking golden-hour portraits around the villa’s stunning terraces. Using a mix of natural light photography and analogue film, we preserved the romance of the evening with a soft, timeless aesthetic. These intimate moments truly encapsulated the essence of their love story.
The Reception: A Roman Feast & Espresso Martini Tower
True to their love for family-style dining, Anda and Leo treated their guests to a traditional Roman feast, with heaping bowls of pasta shared across long banquet tables—a nod to the warmth of Italian hospitality, catered by Muzzi Banqueting.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the night was their unique twist on the traditional wedding cake—a tower of espresso martinis! As the smooth melody of Sade’s “Smooth Operator” played in the background, Leonardo, channeling his former bartending skills, shook and poured the final cocktail before inviting Anda to their first dance to “Loco Amor” by Pedrito Martinez.
The night unfolded with an energetic party illuminated by editorial flash photography, capturing the uninhibited joy and laughter on the dance floor, with music provided by DJ Giorgio and a live jazz trio.
Post-Wedding Brunch at Da Etta
To conclude the weekend in true Roman style, Anda and Leo hosted a relaxed post-wedding brunch at Da Etta, where guests enjoyed traditional Italian pastries, coffee, and delicious brunch dishes while reminiscing about the unforgettable celebration.
Planning Your Destination Wedding in Rome?
If you’re dreaming of a Villa Aurelia wedding or a romantic destination wedding in Rome, I’d love to help you capture the magic of your special day.