Sylvie + Tom’s pink wedding in Umbria
Photo: Maria Bryzhko Photography
Their story kicked off almost twelve years ago on the unlikely snowy slopes of Australia, where Sylvie and Tom found themselves working side by side as ski instructors, her Aussie, him British and both blissfully unaware of how much their lives were about to change. After years of traveling and working across New Zealand and Canada, they settled in the UK and when it came to their wedding, they ditched convention entirely. At the LL–vetted Tenuta San Lorenzo Vecchio in Umbria, the day was filled with iconic moments, from Sylvie’s pink dress to a surprise dinner guest. It was fun and so undeniably them.
The Proposal
“Tom had secretly been planning the proposal and working with Sophie Breitmeyer to design the most beautiful custom ring. He spent months creating a unique, abstract design featuring pink, green, and yellow sapphires, some of my favourite colours and also my birthstone.
Just before Christmas, he organised a “Christmas day out” in London before we went to his family’s for the holidays. We started the morning with croissants in bed before heading out for a winter walk through Hampstead Heath. When we reached a vine-covered pergola overlooking the park, he proposed. The rest of the day was filled with beautiful, thoughtful celebrations. It was romantic, intimate, and so perfectly him.”
Why Italy?
“When it came to planning, we knew we wanted to get married outdoors, something relaxed, elegant, and surrounded by nature, as is common in Australia. But in the UK, the chance of rain felt too high. A friend suggested looking abroad, which we initially dismissed, assuming it would be too costly. But after some research, we quickly realised that Italian venues often offered better value than many in the UK. Italy felt instantly right — timeless, romantic, and full of warmth and personality. I’d also studied Italian at school and lived there for six weeks with a host family, so it already held a special place in my heart. It felt beautifully cyclical to then get married surrounded by the mountains and rolling countryside of Umbria, a place that echoed the sense of adventure and connection that first brought us together.”
The Venue
“We wanted somewhere authentic, with character, warmth, and history. When we visited Tenuta San Lorenzo Vecchio, we were greeted by the owner, Flaminia, with a warm hug and a pot of tea, and immediately knew it was the one. It’s a working farm that produces its own wine and olive oil, and you can feel the family’s passion in every detail. The venue’s beauty, views, and soul made it the perfect place for us.”
Stand Out Moment
“One of my favourite moments was getting ready with my bridesmaids, my mum, my mother-in-law, and my soon-to-be sister-in-law that morning. Half of them still live in Australia, so having everyone together, laughing and reminiscing felt incredibly special and emotional.
The ceremony itself, led by one of our closest friends, was deeply personal and emotional. From there, the day unfolded like a dream: golden-hour drinks, heartfelt speeches, endless plates of pasta and tiramisu, a packed dance floor, and a glowing sparkler send-off. It was pure magic from start to finish.”
La Lista Love
“La Lista was one of the first platforms we discovered and quickly became our go-to. It had everything, from venue recommendations to makeup artists, photographers, and loads of genuinely helpful advice. It also made planning a wedding in Italy from the UK feel not just achievable but enjoyable. It’s such a helpful, inspiring resource.”
Planning Process
“Our engagement-to-wedding timeline was about a year and nine months, which at first felt like a luxury but probably made us overthink things. We realised we made our best decisions in the final month when everything finally came together. We also set out our non-negotiables early on. For me, it was all about the atmosphere, design, and attention to detail. For Tom, his only must-have was pint glasses and beer kegs, and yes, they made it to the bar, and everyone loved them.”
The Dress
“Working as an agent in a wholesale fashion agency, I’m surrounded by bold, colourful, and vibrant collections every day, so I knew I didn’t want a traditional white dress. I wanted something full of life, romantic, and expressive. My gown was from the London brand Millia London, a light pink, voluminous creation that felt like wearing a cloud. It was actually the first dress I tried on, and I instantly fell in love. For the evening, I surprised Tom and all the guests with a second dress, a sheer, corseted, and draped gown by Saint Bridal, which I changed into for our first dance. It was lighter, playful, and perfect for dancing the night away.”
Best Money Spent
“Our photographer, Maria, was absolutely incredible. Even the previews blew us away. But our best money spent was definitely the flowers. They were lush, romantic, and tied every visual element together. They completely transformed the spaces and made everything feel cohesive and full of life.”
Advice For Couples
“Planning a wedding is both a creative joy and a logistical challenge. There will be highs and lows, and that’s completely normal. My advice is to let go of the expectation that every moment has to be perfect, because when the day comes, it will be more beautiful than you could have imagined, no matter what.”
VENDOR TEAM
Venue: Tenuta San Lorenzo Vecchio | Photographer: Maria Bryzhko Photography | Planner: Leonora Forte | Dress: Millia London, Pollyanna style | Band: Radio Kings Band | Florals: Sartoria Floreale | MUA: Sots MUAH
Categories
PLANNING | REAL WEDDING | SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT | INSPIRATION | WANDERLUST
