Hannah + Julian’s elevated black-tie Tuscan wedding

real wedding

Feb 8

With a shared love for clean lines over clichés, German couple Hannah + Julian’s love story began where they were set up at Oktoberfest a decade ago. Forever drawn to the warmth, food and Italy’s rich history, the couple chose Villa Grabau for a celebration that felt effortlessly them, cool, minimalist and quietly luxurious. With its historic greenhouse, lemon house and theatrical gardens, the villa became the backdrop for a black-tie wedding inspired by early 2000s fashion and Charli XCX energy. The result? An elevated Tuscan wedding proving romance doesn’t have to be frilly. Sometimes it just needs great tailoring, great food and the confidence to keep it simple.

The Love Story

“We first met at Oktoberfest in 2016, at the birthday celebration of my cousin. It was an exciting night, and my cousin ended up playing matchmaker. Full circle moment: he later became the celebrant of our symbolic wedding ceremony.”

The Engagement

“Our engagement happened in Tokyo. I lived there for a few years as a child, and for my 30th birthday we traveled to Japan with my family. Julian proposed at the Meiji Shrine, one of the most sacred places in Tokyo. What makes it especially meaningful is that 15 years earlier, I had written a wish on a wooden prayer plaque at that very shrine, wishing for my great love. Julian didn’t know this at all — and by pure fate, he proposed at the exact place where that wish once hung.”

Why Italy?

“Italy has always been part of both of our lives — we’ve each spent many family holidays there since childhood. It’s only about three hours from Munich, and we love the culture, the food, and the warmth and joy of the people. In addition, Julian is a Roman history enthusiast, which made Italy feel even more meaningful and personal for us.”

Stand Out Moment

“When I walked down the aisle with my father toward Julian. Seeing all our guests smiling and crying, and Julian seeing me for the first time that day — it was an incredibly emotional moment.”

The Style

“We wanted a minimalist and elegant aesthetic — not overly romantic, but cool and modern. We were inspired by Charli XCX’s London wedding and by early 2000s runway imagery, with lots of silk, clean lines, and simplicity.
Since I mainly wear black, we loved the idea of asking our guests to wear black evening wear. My Vivienne Westwood wedding dress was actually the very first dress I saved right after the engagement.
For the party starting at 10pm, we switched colours: Julian wore a white dinner jacket, while I changed into a custom-made black suit.”

The Venue

“We fell in love with Villa Grabau instantly. The property offers so many beautiful options: a greenhouse, the villa itself, the Limonaia, a historic theatre, and accommodations for a large part of our family. It felt like an entire world in one place.”

Best Money Spent

“Our wedding planner Nadine, and the food. We felt it was essential not to compromise on the food, especially since our guests traveled far and Italy has so much to offer. Our planner was invaluable, as we simply didn’t have the time to review contracts, research suppliers, and manage the full organisation on the day itself. Also, our DJ. He’s Julian’s cousin and a professional DJ, and everyone was absolutely blown away. Music is essential for the atmosphere, and he completely set the tone for the night.”

Authenticity

“Our black-tie dress code, the minimalist floral arrangements using just one type of flower, and a very reduced, clean approach to details. Nothing playful — everything intentional and understated made the day feel authentic.”

Advice For Couples

“Trust your instincts and don’t let too many outside opinions influence you. There will be lots of different voices and expectations, but stay true to your own style and plan the day exactly the way you want it.”

VENDOR TEAM

Hannah + Julian’s elevated black-tie Tuscan wedding

Categories

The Napoleonic residence turned eco-conscious wedding venue in Marche