Kristina + William’s fashion-led wedding in Tuscany

real wedding

Sep 7

Custom lace basque wedding dress for Filipino bride at her Tuscan wedding at Country Relais & Spa Le Capanne, shot by The Lightbox Tales — Photo: The Lightbox Tales

What started as a romance formed by crossing paths, turned into a love story that stretched across the world for Kristina and William. With Filipino and Italian roots, their biggest milestones honoured both cultures—from an engagement in the Philippines to a fashion-forward wedding in Tuscany at LL-vetted Country Relais & Spa Le Capanne.

Intimacy, heritage, and style shaped the day, with Kristina’s sister designing her iconic dress and setting the tone for a celebration that felt both deeply personal and effortlessly chic.

The Welcome

Love Story

“We first met while working in retail at the same mall—different stores, just a few steps apart, always crossing paths. We got engaged on 18 July 2023 while on holiday with my family on the island of Siargao in the Philippines—one of our favourite places, and one we’ll never forget.”

Outdoor wedding ceremony in Tuscany with pink, yellow and red deconstructed arch

Why Italy?

“Italy had been my dream wedding destination since I was a little girl, so it felt incredibly special to marry there. My husband is Italian and I’m Filipina, so getting engaged in the Philippines and married in Italy was the perfect way to celebrate both our cultures.”

The Venue

“My husband and I had a civil ceremony on 28 September 2024, celebrating intimately with our immediate family. At first, we hadn’t planned on having a wedding party, but when my husband’s colleague recommended her sister’s venue, we instantly fell in love. Choosing Country Relais & Spa Le Capanne was the best decision—we couldn’t be happier, it was absolutely perfect.”

The Style

“The vision for our wedding began with my gown—everything else naturally fell into place around it. I had the incredible honour of having my sister, Kayla Santos, design and create it. I wanted something chic, timeless, and fit for a Tuscan wedding, and she brought that vision to life beautifully. From there, we kept the overall vibe minimal and ethereal, letting the natural Italian charm of the venue shine through and speak for itself.”

The Budget

“We did go over budget, but it was worth every penny. Spending a little extra on the things that mattered most to us never felt like overspending—we knew those would be memories to carry with us for the rest of our lives.”

Stand Out Supplier

“Our photographer and videographer, The Lightbox Tales, were hands down the best decision we made—even though booking Celia and Andes was last minute. We kept reminding ourselves that the photos and videos are the one thing we’d have forever from our wedding, so they had to be perfect—and they absolutely delivered. Beyond their incredible talent, Celia and Andes are genuinely the sweetest, most charming, passionate, and fun people you could hope to work with.”

Advice For Future Couples

“It’s never too early to start planning! Getting a head start gives you the freedom to explore all your options without pressure and truly bring your vision to life. Plus, it helps reduce stress so you can enjoy the journey.”

Stand Out Moment

“Putting together our wedding cake was such a special moment. The Italian tradition of assembling the millefoglie cake in front of everyone made the day feel even more personal. It brought everyone together, and we could truly feel all the love and good vibes around us.”