Katherine + Matt’s whimsical Umbrian wedding
Photo: Silvia Poropat Weddings
Katherine + Matt’s love story is proof that sometimes timing really is everything. From casual college acquaintances in San Diego to an Instagram DM years later that changed everything, these two have been inseparable ever since. For their wedding, they weren’t about safe or ordinary — they wanted a celebration that was as unique and full of personality as they are. So they headed to Umbria and, with LL-vetted planner LaLindi’s expert touch, pulled off a whimsical wedding with chartreuse drapery, summer-inspired and sculptural ikebana florals: every detail perfectly reflecting their fun, fearless style.
The Engagement
“Matt proposed on March 2, 2024, in Santa Barbara, CA, a place that means so much to us. Matt has never been one to plan surprises, so when he told me on a random Saturday to pack my bags for a weekend trip, I knew something was up. He booked a room at our favorite hotel, Palihouse, where we spent our first anniversary, and organised the perfect beach proposal. We had picked out the stone of my engagement ring together, but I left the ring design to Matt. Seeing the ring for the first time, with Matt presenting it to me down on one knee, was everything. We were both so in the moment, neither of us remembers what Matt even said when he proposed! We followed up the proposal with a beach picnic, and after enjoying the sunset, we headed off to dinner where Matt had another grand surprise waiting for me — our closest friends and family were waiting and ready to celebrate us!”
Why Italy?
“We never envisioned having a large wedding, but we knew that if we were to host our special day in California, we would want to invite our extended family. While I love them all dearly, I come from a very large family, and our wedding would almost certainly be in the 150+ guest range. Before even considering a destination wedding, we sent enquiries to our top three venues in California, and the quotes for a wedding of that size were astronomical — we would be spending what most people would consider a deposit on a house! This encouraged us to look elsewhere for venues, and with Matt’s family originating from Italy, it made the most sense.”
The Venue
“Vocabolo Moscatelli and I discovered each other on Instagram, of course. This beautiful boutique hotel randomly popped up on my discovery, and I instantly fell in love with the aesthetic! This actually happened at the very beginning of our wedding planning journey, so in retrospect, it truly feels like it was meant to be. My initial outreach to the venue was casual and non-committal, but their responses were very genuine, inviting, and warm. We maintained loose contact for a month or two before finally committing and booking our dates. The process was so smooth, even though we were communicating virtually from across the world, and having our venue nailed down prior to finding our planner made the entire planning process easier!”
The Style
“I wouldn’t necessarily say that I pulled inspiration from any one person or any one wedding. Rather, my inspiration came from years and years of idealising what our special day would and could look like. The ceremony was at the heart of the venue by the fountain, with the villa behind us and chartreuse drapery flowing down the aisle—bold, unexpected, and perfect for our colour scheme. Our reception under the wisteria-covered pergola was just as magical.”
Stand Out Moment
“Our stand out moment of the day was just after the ceremony when we both finally felt like we could take a breath and truly enjoy each other, our guests, and all of the hard work and planning that went into the day.”
The Budget
“Our initial wedding budget was $65k–$80k, and we were so lucky that my parents were willing to contribute. While it’s often assumed the bride’s parents pay, we knew this was a luxury and didn’t take it for granted. As deposits were paid, costs added up, so Matt and I covered the difference. We nearly doubled our original budget, but in hindsight, it was completely worth it!”
Stand Out Supplier
“As someone who cares deeply about design, florals, and curating the perfect physical environment to match the occasion, our florist, Maria, aka Mary Poppies, had to be our top supplier. Of course, we would never have found her if it hadn’t been for Valentina from LaLindi’s recommendation! The two of them joined forces to turn all of our dreams into reality.”
Advice For Couples
“Don’t get in your own head and don’t let the anxieties overpower the excitement! The best advice we can give for the day of your wedding is to relax and really be present in the moment. It’s nearly impossible not to stress out—after all, it’s supposed to be one of the most important days of your lives!”
VENDOR TEAM
Photography: Silvia Poropat Weddings | Wedding Planner + Stylist: LaLindi | Venue, Cake & Catering: Vocabolo Moscatelli | Florist: Mary Poppies | Content Creator: Modern Day Romance | Stationery: Happier | Celebrant: Kaity Adamo | Music: Mad DJ, Diletta Landi | Hair: Sova Marina | Makeup: Alena Bezrodna | Dress: Danielle Frankel
Categories
PLANNING | REAL WEDDING | SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT | INSPIRATION | WANDERLUST
